Heterocyclic compounds useful for the treatment of inflammatory and allergic disorders: process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors of the formula (1) and analogs, tautomers, enantiomers, diasteromers, regioisomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, appropriate N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them which are useful in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjuctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn&#39;s disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and reperfusion injury of the brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/721,912, filed Aug. 25, 2009, which is a national phase of PCTApplication No. PCT/IB2005/003798, filed Dec. 15, 2005, which claimspriority to Indian Provisional Application 1352/MUM/2004 filed on Dec.17, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/637,232 filed on Dec. 17,2004. All of the above applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel tricyclic phosphodiesterase type4 (PDE4) inhibitors, and analogs, tautomers, enantiomers, diasteromers,regioisomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, appropriate N-oxides, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvatesthereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use fortreating conditions mediated by PDE-IV inhibition, such as asthma andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Airway inflammation characterizes a number of severe lung diseasesincluding asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Events leading to airway obstruction include edema of airway walls,infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung, production of variousinflammatory mediators and increased mucous production. The airways ofasthmatic patients are infiltrated by inflammatory leukocytes, of whicheosinophils are the most prominent component. The magnitude of asthmaticreactions is correlated with the number of eosinophils present in thelungs.

The accumulation of eosinophils is found dramatically in the lungs ofasthmatic patients although there are very few in the lungs of a normalindividual. They are capable of lysing and activating cells anddestroying tissues. When activated, they synthesize and releaseinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-3, and TNF-α and inflammatorymediators such as PAF, LTD4 and related oxygen species that can produceedema and broncho-constriction. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) is alsoknown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a number of autoimmune andinflammatory diseases. Consequently, manipulation of the cytokinesignaling or biosynthetic pathways associated with these proteins mayprovide therapeutic benefit in those disease states. It has been welldemonstrated that TNF-α production in pro-inflammatory cells becomesattenuated by an elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). This second messenger is regulated by thephosphodiesterase (PDE) family of enzymes. The phosphodiesterase enzymesplay an integral role in cell signaling mechanisms by hydrolyzing cAMPand cGP to their inactive 5′ forms. Inhibition of PDE enzymes thusresults in an elevation of cAMP and/or cGP levels and altersintracellular responses to extra cellular signals by affecting theprocesses mediated by cyclic nucleotides. Since eosinophilis arebelieved to be a critical proinflammatory target for asthma,identification of the expression of the PDE 4 gene family in eosinophilsled to PDE 4 as a potential therapeutic target for asthma [Rogers, D.F., Giembycz, M. A., Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 19, 160-164 (1998); Barnes,P. J., Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 19, 415-423 (1998)].

The mammalian cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are classifiedinto ten families on the basis of their amino acid sequences and/or DNAsequence, substrate specificity and sensitivity to pharmacologicalagents [Soderling, S. H., Bayuga, S. J., and Beavo, J. A., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci., USA, 96, 7071-7076 (1999); Fujishige, K, Kotera, J.,Michibata, H., Yuasa, K., Takebayashi, Si, Okamura, K. and Omori, K., J.Biol. Chem., 274, 18438-18445 (1999)]. Many cell types express more thanone PDE and distribution of isoenzymes between the cells variesmarkedly. Therefore development of highly isoenzyme selective PDEinhibitors provides a unique opportunity for selective manipulation ofvarious pathophysiological processes.

Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) is an enzyme which regulates activitiesin cells which lead to inflammation in the lungs. PDE4, a cAMP-specificand Ca⁺²-independent enzyme, is a key isozyme in the hydrolysis of cAMPin mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Theassociation between cAMP elevation in inflammatory cells with airwaysmooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of mediator release has led towidespread interest in the design of PDE4 inhibitors [Trophy, T. J., Am.J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 157, 351-370 (1998)]. Excessive orunregulated TNF-α production has been implicated in mediating orexacerbating a number of undesirable physiological conditions such asosteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions, septic shock, endotoxicshock, respiratory distress syndrome and bone resorption diseases. SinceTNF-α also participates in the onset and progress of autoimmunediseases, PDE4 inhibitors may find utility as therapeutic agents forrheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. [NatureMedicine, 1, 211-214 (1995) and ibid., 244-248].

Strong interest in drugs capable of selective inhibition of PDE 4 is dueto several factors. Tissue distribution of PDE-4 suggests thatpathologies related to the central nervous and immune systems could betreated with selective PDE-4 inhibitors. In addition, the increase inintracellular cAMP concentration, the obvious biochemical consequence ofPDE-4 inhibition, has been well characterized in immuno-competent cellswhere it acts as a deactivating signal.

Recently the PDE4 family has grown to include four subtypes—PDE4A toPDE4D, each encoded by a distinct gene (British Journal of Pharmacology;1999; v. 128; p. 1393-1398).

It has been demonstrated that increasing cAMP levels within these cellsresults in suppression of cell activation, which in turn inhibits theproduction and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α.Since eosinophils are believed to be a critical pro-inflammatory targetfor asthma, identification of the expression of the PDE-4 gene family ineosinophils led to the PDE-4 as a potential therapeutic target forasthma.

The usefulness of several PDE-4 inhibitors, unfortunately, is limiteddue to their undesirable side effect profile which include nausea andemesis (due to action on PDE-4 in the central nervous system) andgastric acid secretion due to action on PDE-4 in parietal cells in thegut. Barnette, M. S., Grous, M., Cieslinsky, L. B., Burman, M.,Christensen, S. B., Trophy, T J., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 273,1396-1402 (1995). One of the earliest PDE-4 inhibitors, Rolipram™, waswithdrawn from clinical development because of its severe unacceptableside effect profile. Zeller E. et. al., Pharmacopsychiatr., 17, 188-190(1984) which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Thecause of severe side effects of several PDE-4 inhibitor molecules inhuman clinical trials has recently become apparent.

There exist two binding sites on mammalian PDE-4 at which inhibitormolecules may bind. Also PDE-4 exists in two distinct forms whichrepresent different conformations. They are designated as High affinityRolipram binding site PDE-4H and Low affinity Rolipram binding sitePDE-4L [Jacobitz, S., McLaughlin, M. M., Livi, G. P., Burman, M.,Trophy, T. J., Mol. Pharmaco., 50, 891-899 (1996)]. It was shown thatcertain side effects (vomiting and gastric acid secretion) areassociated with inhibition of PDE-4H whereas some beneficial actions areassociated with PDE-4L inhibition. It was also found that humanrecombinant PDE-4 exists in 4 isoforms A, B, C and D [Muller, T.,Engels, P., Fozard, J. R., Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 17, 294-298 (1996)].Compounds having more PDE-4D isoenzyme selectivity over the A, B or Cisoenzymes have been found to have fewer side effects than Rolipram[Hughes. B et. al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 1996, 118, 1183-1191]. Therefore,selective inhibitors of PDE-4 isozymes have therapeutic efficacy in thetreatment of inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and other respiratorydiseases, without the undesirable side effects of prior non-selectivePDE-4 inhibitors.

Although several research groups all over the world are working to findhighly selective PDE-4 isozyme inhibitors, so far success has beenlimited. Various compounds have shown PDE-4 inhibition.

SmithKline Beecham's “Ariflo” of the formula A, Byk Gulden's Roflumilastof the formula D and Bayer's Bay-19-8004 of the formula E have reachedadvanced stage of human clinical trials. Other compounds which haveshown potent PDE-4 inhibitory activity include Celltech's CDP-840 of theformula B, Schering Plough's D-4418 of the formula C, Pfizer's5CP-220,629 of the formula F, Parke Davis's PD-168787 of the formula Gand Wyeth's Filaminast of the formula H. However, it is believed thatdue to efficacy and side effects problems, Ariflo, CDP-840 andBay-19-8004 were discontinued from clinical trials as a treatment forasthma. Other compounds of the formulae C and F are presently undergoingphase-1 clinical trials.

International Publication Nos. WO 2004/037805 and WO 2004/089940disclose tricyclic compounds useful for the treatment of inflammatoryand allergic disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new heterocyclic compounds whichinhibit PDE-4 having the formula below:

wherein

each occurrence of R¹, R² and R³ may be same or different and areindependently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted cycloalkenylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, —NR⁵R⁶, —C(=L)-R⁵, —C(O)—R⁵, —C(O)O—R⁵, —C(O)NR⁵R⁶,—S(O)_(n), R⁵, —S(O)_(n)—NR⁵R⁶, nitro, —OH, cyano, oxo, formyl, acetyl,halogen, —OR^(S), —SR⁵, or a protecting group, or when two R² or two R³substituents are ortho to each other, the two substituents may be joinedto a form a 3-7 member optionally substituted saturated or unsaturatedcyclic ring, which may optionally include up to two heteroatoms selectedfrom O, NR⁵ or S;

each occurrence of R⁵ and R⁶ may be same or different and areindependently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted cycloalkenylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, nitro, halo, —OH, cyano, —C(O)—R^(a), —C(O)O—R^(a),—C(O)NR^(a)R^(b), —S(O)_(m)—R^(a), —S(O)_(m)—NR^(a)R^(b),—C(═NR^(a))—R^(b), —C(═NR^(a))—NR^(a)R^(b), —C(═S)—NR^(a)R^(b),—C(═S)—R^(a), —N═C(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(a)R^(b), —OR^(a), —SR^(a), or aprotecting group or R⁵ and R⁶ may be joined together with the atom towhich they are attached to form a 3-7 member optionally substitutedsaturated or unsaturated cyclic ring, which may optionally include up totwo heteroatoms selected from O, NR^(a) or S;

each occurrence of R^(a) and R^(b) may be same or different and areindependently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted cycloalkenylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, nitro, —OH, cyano, formyl, acetyl, halogen, aprotecting group, —C(O)—R^(a), —C(O)O—R^(a),—C(O)NR^(a)R^(b)—S(O)_(m)—R^(a), —S(O)_(m)—NR^(a)R^(b), —NR^(a)R^(b),—OR^(a), or —SR^(a);

Ar is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring, substitutedor unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl ring, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl;

L is O, S or NR^(a), where R^(a) is as defined above;

n is an integer from 0 to 2;

p is an integer from 0 to 8;

T, U, V and W are each independently C, C═O, N, NR^(a), O or S, with theproviso that at least one of T, U, V and W are N, NR^(a), O or S, whereR^(a) is as defined above;

each dotted line

in the ring represents an optional double bond;

X is O, S(O)_(m) or NR^(b), where R^(b) is as defined above;

each occurrence of m is independently 0, 1 or 2;

Y is —C(O)NR⁴—, —NR⁴SO₂—, —SO₂NR⁴— or —NR⁴C(O)—;

R⁴ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, hydroxyl, —OR^(a)(wherein R^(a) is defined above), substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted heterocyclic ring, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ring orsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl,

or an analog, tautomer, regioisomer, stereoisomer, enantiomer,diastereomer, polymorph, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide, orpharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein thesubstituents in the substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substitutedalkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkylalkyl,substituted cyclocalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenylalkyl, substitutedarylalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl ring, substitutedheteroarylalkyl, substituted heterocyclylalkyl ring, substituted cyclicring, and substituted alkylcarbonyl may be the same or different and areselected from hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, oxo(═O), thio (═S), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substitutedor unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkenylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted amino, substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclicring, substituted heterocyclylalkyl ring, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted guanidine, —COOR^(x),—C(O)R^(x), —C(S)R^(x), —C(O)NR^(x)R^(y), —C(O)ONR^(x)R^(y),—NR^(x)CONR^(y)R^(z), —N(R^(x))SOR^(y), —N(R^(x))SO₂R^(y),—(═N—N(R^(x))R^(y)), —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(y), —NR^(x)R^(y), NR^(x)C(O)R^(y)—,—NR^(x)C(S)R^(y)—NR^(x)C(S)NR^(y)R^(z), —SONR^(x)R^(y)—,—SO₂NR^(x)R^(y)—, —OR^(x), —OR^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z), —OR^(x)C(O)OR^(y)—,—OC(O)R^(x), —OC(O)NR^(x)R^(y), —R^(x)NR^(y)C(O)R^(z), —R^(x)OR^(y),—R^(x)C(O)OR^(y), —R^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z), —R^(x)C(O)R^(y),—R^(x)OC(O)R^(y), —SR^(x), —SOR^(x), —SO₂R^(x), or —ONO₂, wherein R^(x),R^(y) and R^(z) in each of the above groups can be hydrogen, substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenylalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted amino, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted heterocyclylalkylring, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, or substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic ring.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein Ar isoptionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyridyl oroptionally substituted pyridyl-N-oxide in which the one or more optionalsubstituents may be same or different and are independently hydrogen,hydroxyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, trifluoroalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, substitutedor unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkylcarbonyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonyloxy,substituted or unsubstituted amino or mono or di substituted orunsubstituted alkylamino.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein Ar is

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein U and Vare both N and T and W are both C.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein T and Vare both N and U and W are both C.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein T, V, andW are C and U is N.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein T, V, andW are C and U is NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein T, U, andW are C and V is NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I wherein T and Uare C, V is NR^(a), and W is C(═O).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I or any of theaforementioned preferred embodiments where T, U, V, or W is NR^(a),where R^(a) is hydrogen. More preferably, T and W are not NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I or any of theaforementioned preferred embodiments where T, U, V, or W is NR^(a),where R^(a) is methyl. More preferably, T and W are not NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I or any of theaforementioned preferred embodiments where T, U, V, or W is NR^(a),where R^(a) is —COO-t-Butyl (tert-butyloxy carbonyl). More preferably, Tand W are not NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I or any of theaforementioned preferred embodiments where T, U, V, or W is NR^(a),where R^(a) is —COOEt. More preferably, T and W are not NR^(a).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X is O.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X isS(O)_(m) wherein m is 0.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X isNR^(b).

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X isNR^(b), where R^(b) is methyl.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X isNR^(b), where R^(b) is cyclopropylmethyl.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where X isNR^(b), where R^(b) is benzyl.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where R′ issubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where R¹ is —CH₃.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where R¹ is—CHF₂.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where n is 0.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where p is 0.

Further preferred is a compound according to Formula I where Y is—C(O)NH—.

According to one preferred embodiment, the compound has the formula

wherein

U and V are each independently C, N, or NR^(a) (where R^(a) is asdefined above), with the proviso that at least one of U and V is N orNR^(a);

both dotted lines represent double bonds or both dotted lines areabsent;

each occurrence of R¹, R² and R³ may be same or different and are asdefined above; and

Ar, R⁴, n, and p are as defined above,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

According to a more preferred embodiment, n and p are 0, R¹ issubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl (preferably CH₃ or CHF₂), and R⁴ ishydrogen. R^(a) can be, for example, —COO—R^(a′), where R^(a′) is asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl and preferably an unsubstituted C₁-C₆alkyl. Preferably, Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl, optionallysubstituted pyridyl or optionally substituted pyridyl-N-oxide in whichthe one or more optional substituents may be same or different and areindependently hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl,trifluoroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl,substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkylcarbonyloxy, substituted or unsubstituted amino or mono or disubstituted or unsubstituted alkylamino. According to one embodiment, Aris

According to another preferred embodiment, the compound has the formula

wherein

either (i) U is N, V is N or C, and both dotted lines represent doublebonds, or (ii) U is NR^(a) (where R^(a) is as defined above), V is C,and both dotted lines are absent;

each occurrence of R¹, R² and R³ may be same or different and are asdefined above; and

Ar, n, and p are as defined above,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

According to a more preferred embodiment, n and p are 0, and R¹ issubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl. R^(a) can be, for example,—COO—R^(a′), where R^(a′) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl andpreferably an unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl. Preferably, Ar is an optionallysubstituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyridyl or optionallysubstituted pyridyl-N-oxide in which the one or more optionalsubstituents may be same or different and are independently hydrogen,hydroxyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, trifluoroalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, substitutedor unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkylcarbonyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonyloxy,substituted or unsubstituted amino or mono or di substituted orunsubstituted alkylamino. According to one embodiment, Ar is

It will be appreciated that some of the compounds of formula (1) cancontain one or more asymmetrically substituted carbon atoms. Thepresence of one or more of these asymmetric centers in the compounds offormula (1) can give rise to stereoisomers and in each case theinvention is to be understood to extend to all such stereoisomers,including enantiomers and diastereomers and their mixtures, includingracemic mixtures. The invention may also contain E and Z geometricalisomers wherever possible in the compounds of formula (1) which includesthe single isomer or mixture of both the isomers

Another embodiment of the invention is a pharmaceutical compositioncontaining one or more of the heterocyclic compounds of the presentinvention and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient (such as apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent). The pharmaceuticalcomposition may be, for example, a unit dosage form (such as a tablet orcapsule).

The compounds of formula (1) down regulate or inhibit the production ofTNF-α as they are PDE4 inhibitors and therefore are useful in thetreatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases including asthma,chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis,allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjuctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma,psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, diabetes, ulcerativecolitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium andbrain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratorydistress syndrome. The compounds of the present invention areparticularly useful for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD).

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating aninflammatory disease, disorder or condition characterized by orassociated with an undesirable inflammatory immune response, or adisease or condition induced by or associated with an excessivesecretion of TNF-α and PDE-4 in a subject in need thereof byadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aPDE-4 inhibitor or a pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating aninflammatory condition or an immune disorder in a subject in needthereof by administering to the subject a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound according to formula (I) or a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the present invention. Inflammatory conditions and immunedisorders which can be treated with the PDE-4 inhibitors of the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, asthma, bronchial asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilicgranuloma, nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, chronicbronchitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, psoraisis, uticaria,adult vernal cojunctivitis, respiratory distress syndrome, rhematoidspondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, uveits, allergicconjunctivitis, inflammatory bowel conditions, ulcerative coalitis,eczema, atopic dermatitis and chronic inflammation. Preferredinflammatory conditions include, but are not limited to, allergicinflammatory conditions.

Further preferred are inflammatory conditions and immune disordersselected from inflammatory conditions and immune disorders of the lungs,joints, eyes, bowels, skin or heart.

Further preferred are inflammatory conditions chosen from the groupconsisting of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method for abatinginflammation in an affected organ or tissue by delivering to the organor tissue a therapeutically effective amount of a PDE-4 inhibitor or apharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating adisease of the central nervous system in a subject in need thereof byadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aPDE-4 inhibitor or a pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

Preferred diseases of the central nervous system include, but are notlimited to, depression, amnesia, dementia, Alzheimers disease, cardiacfailure, shock and cerebrovascular disease.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating insulinresistant diabetes in a subject in need thereof by administering to thesubject a therapeutically effective amount of a PDE-4 inhibitor or apharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation ofthe novel heterocyclic compounds of formula (1) as defined above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chainradical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing nounsaturation, having from one to eight carbon atoms, and which isattached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, e.g., methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (isopropyl), n-butyl, n-pentyl, and1,1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl).

The term “alkenyl” refers to an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing acarbon-carbon double bond and which may be a straight or branched chainhaving 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl(allyl), iso-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, and 2-butenyl.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a straight or branched chain hydrocarbylradical having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, and having in therange of 2 up to about 12 carbon atoms (with radicals having in therange of about 2 up to 10 carbon atoms presently being preferred), e.g.,ethynyl, propynyl, and butynyl.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group as defined above attached viaan oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule. Non-limiting examples ofsuch groups include —OCH₃, and —OC₂H₅.

The term “alkylcarbonyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined aboveattached via a carbonyl linkage to the rest of the molecule.Non-limiting examples of such groups include —C(O)CH₃, and —C(O)C₂H₅.

The term “alkoxycarbonyl” refers to an alkoxy group as defined aboveattached via a carbonyl linkage to the rest of the molecule.Non-limiting examples of such groups include —C(O)—OCH₃, and—C(O)—OC₂H₅.

The term “alkylcarbonyloxy” refers to an alkylcarbonyl group as definedabove attached via an oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule.Non-limiting examples of such groups include —O—C(O)CH₃, and—O—C(O)C₂H₅.

The term “alkylamino” refers to an alkyl group as defined above attachedvia an amino linkage to the rest of the molecule. Non-limiting examplesof such groups include —NH₂CH₃, —NH(CH₃)₂, and —N(CH₃)₃.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic mono or multicyclic ringsystem of 3 to about 12 carbon atoms, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. Non-limiting examples of multicycliccycloalkyl groups include perhydronapththyl, adamantyl and norbornylgroups, bridged cyclic groups or sprirobicyclic groups, e.g., sprio(4,4) non-2-yl.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” refers to a cyclic ring-containing radicalcontaining in the range of 3 up to about 8 carbon atoms directlyattached to an alkyl group which are then attached to the main structureat any carbon from the alkyl group that results in the creation of astable structure. Non-limiting examples of such groups includecyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylethyl, and cyclopentylethyl.

The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to a cyclic ring-containing radicalcontaining in the range of 3 up to about 8 carbon atoms with at leastone carbon-carbon double bond such as cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, andcyclopentenyl.

The term “cycloalkenylalkyl” refers to a cyclic ring-containing radicalcontaining in the range of about 3 up to 8 carbon atoms with at leastone carbon-carbon double bond directly attached to an alkyl group whichis then attached to the main structure at any carbon from the alkylgroup that results in the creation of a stable structure. Non-limitingexamples of such groups include cyclopropenylmethyl, cyclobutenylethyl,and cyclopentenylethyl.

The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic radical having in the range of 6up to 14 carbon atoms such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronapthyl,indanyl, and biphenyl.

The term “arylalkyl” refers to an aryl group as defined above directlybonded to an alkyl group as defined above, e.g., —CH₂C₆H₅, and—C₂H₅C₆H₅.

The term “heterocyclic ring” refers to a stable 3- to 15 membered ringradical which consists of carbon atoms and from one to five heteroatomsselected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen andsulfur. For purposes of this invention, the heterocyclic ring radicalmay be a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring system, which mayinclude fused, bridged or spiro ring systems, and the nitrogen,phosphorus, carbon, oxygen or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclic ringradical may be optionally oxidized to various oxidation states. Inaddition, the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized; and the ringradical may be partially or fully saturated (i.e., heteroaromatic).Examples of such heterocyclic ring radicals include, but are not limitedto, azetidinyl, acridinyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxanyl, benzofuranyl,carbazolyl, cinnolinyl, dioxolanyl, indolizinyl, naphthyridinyl,perhydroazepinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl,phthalazinyl, pyridyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl,quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrazoyl, imidazolyl, tetrahydroisoquinolyl,piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl,2-oxopyrrolidinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, pyrrolyl, 4-piperidonyl,pyrrolidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolinyl,oxasolidinyl, triazolyl, indanyl, isoxazolyl, isoxasolidinyl,morpholinyl, thiazolyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl,quinuclidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl,isoindolinyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydroisoindolyl, quinolyl,isoquinolyl, decahydroisoquinolyl, benzimidazolyl, thiadiazolyl,benzopyranyl, benzothiazolyl, benzooxazolyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, thiamorpholinyl,thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide thiamorpholinyl sulfone, dioxaphospholanyl,oxadiazolyl, chromanyl, and isochromanyl. The heterocyclic ring radicalmay be attached to the main structure at any heteroatom or carbon atomthat results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic heterocyclic ring radical.The heteroaryl ring radical may be attached to the main structure at anyheteroatom or carbon atom that results in the creation of a stablestructure.

The term “heteroarylalkyl” refers to heteroaryl ring radical as definedabove directly bonded to an alkyl group. The heteroarylalkyl radical maybe attached to the main structure at any carbon atom from alkyl groupthat results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a heterocylic ring radical as definedabove. The heterocylcyl ring radical may be attached to the mainstructure at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in the creationof a stable structure.

The term “heterocyclylalkyl” refers to a heterocylic ring radical asdefined above directly bonded to an alkyl group. The heterocyclylalkylradical may be attached to the main structure at any carbon atom in thealkyl group that results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “cyclic ring” refers to a cyclic ring containing 3-10 carbonatoms.

The term “protecting group” or “PG” refers to a substituent that isemployed to block or protect a particular functionality while otherfunctional groups on the compound may remain reactive. For example, an“amino-protecting group” is a substituent attached to an amino groupthat blocks or protects the amino functionality in the compound.Suitable amino-protecting groups include, but are not limited to,acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, t-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl (CBz)and 9-fluorenylmethylenoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). Similarly, a“hydroxy-protecting group” refers to a substituent of a hydroxy groupthat blocks or protects the hydroxy functionality. Suitablehydroxy-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, acetyl,benzyl, tetrahydropyranyl and silyl. A “carboxy-protecting group” refersto a substituent of the carboxy group that blocks or protects thecarboxy functionality. Suitable carboxy-protecting groups include, butare not limited to, —CH₂CH₂SO₂Ph, cyanoethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl,2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl,2-(p-nitrophenylsulfenyl)ethyl, 2-(diphenylphosphino)-ethyl, andnitroethyl. For a general description of protecting groups and theiruse, see, T. W. Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, JohnWiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

The term “halogen” refers to a radical of fluorine, chlorine, bromine oriodine.

Unless otherwise specified, the term “substituted” as used herein refersto substitution with any one or any combination of the followingsubstituents: hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, oxo (═O), thio(═S), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted orunsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted orunsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkenylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted amino, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substitutedor unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclic ring, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl ring,substituted or unsubstituted guanidine, —COOR^(x), —C(O)R^(x),—C(S)R^(x), —C(O)NR^(x)R^(y), —C(O)ONR^(x)R^(y), —NR^(x)CONR^(y)R^(z),—N(R^(x))SOR^(y), —N(R^(x))SO₂R^(y), —(═N—N(R^(x))R^(y)),—NR^(x)C(O)OR^(y), —NR^(x)R^(y), —NR^(x)C(O)R^(y), —NR^(x)C(S)R^(y),—NR^(x)C(S)NR^(y)R^(z), —SONR^(x)R^(y), —SO₂NR^(x)R^(y), —OR^(x),—OR^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z), —OR^(x)C(O)OR^(y), —OC(O)R^(x),—OC(O)NR^(x)R^(y), —R^(x)NR^(y)C(O)R^(z), —R^(x)OR^(y),—R^(x)C(O)OR^(y), —R^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z), —R^(x)C(O)R^(y),—R^(x)OC(O)R^(y), —SR^(x), —SOR^(x), —SO₂R^(x), and —ONO₂, whereinR^(x), R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from hydrogen,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy,substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted amino,substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl, substituted heterocyclylalkyl ring, substituted orunsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, or substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclic ring. According to one embodiment, the substituents in theaforementioned “substituted” groups cannot be further substituted. Forexample, when the substituent on “substituted alkyl” is “substitutedaryl”, the substituent on “substituted aryl” cannot be “substitutedalkenyl”.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts forming part of this invention includesalts derived from inorganic bases (such as Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu,Zn, and Mn), salts of organic bases (such asN,N′-diacetylethylenediamine, glucamine, triethylamine, choline,hydroxide, dicyclohexylamine, metformin, benzylamine, trialkylamine,thiamine, and the like), salts of chiral bases (such asalkylphenylamine, glycinol, phenyl glycinol and the like), salts ofnatural amino acids (such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine,isoleucine, norleucine, tyrosine, cystine, cysteine, methionine,proline, hydroxy proline, histidine, ornithine, lysine, arginine,serine, and the like), salts of non-natural amino acids (such asD-isomers or substituted amino acids), salts of guanidine, salts ofsubstituted guanidine (wherein the substituents are selected from nitro,amino, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl), ammonium salts, substituted ammoniumsalts, and aluminum salts. Other pharmaceutically acceptable saltsinclude acid addition salts (where appropriate) such as sulphates,nitrates, phosphates, perchlorates, borates, hydrohalides, acetates,tartrates, maleates, citrates, fumarates, succinates, palmoates,methanesulphonates, benzoates, salicylates, benzenesulfonates,ascorbates, glycerophosphates, ketoglutarates and the like. Yet otherpharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to,quaternary ammonium salts of the compounds of the present invention withalkyl halides or alkyl sulphates (such as MeI and (Me)₂SO₄).Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates may be hydrates or comprise othersolvents of crystallization such as alcohols.

Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates include hydrates and other solventsof crystallization (such as alcohols). The compounds of the presentinvention may form solvates with low molecular weight solvents bymethods known in the art.

The term “treating” or “treatment” of a state, disorder or conditionincludes:

(1) preventing or delaying the appearance of clinical symptoms of thestate, disorder or condition developing in a subject that may beafflicted with or predisposed to the state, disorder or condition butdoes not yet experience or display clinical or subclinical symptoms ofthe state, disorder or condition;(2) inhibiting the state, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting orreducing the development of the disease or at least one clinical orsubclinical symptom thereof; or(3) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the state,disorder or condition or at least one of its clinical or subclinicalsymptoms.

The benefit to a subject to be treated is either statisticallysignificant or at least perceptible to the subject or to the physician.

The term “subject” includes mammals (especially humans) and otheranimals, such as domestic animals (e.g., household pets including catsand dogs) and non-domestic animals (such as wildlife).

A “therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of a compoundthat, when administered to a subject for treating a state, disorder orcondition, is sufficient to effect such treatment. The “therapeuticallyeffective amount” will vary depending on the compound, the disease andits severity and the age, weight, physical condition and responsivenessof the subject to be treated.

“Delivering” a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredientto a particular location within a host means causing a therapeuticallyeffective blood concentration of the active ingredient at the particularlocation. This can be accomplished, e.g., by local or by systemicadministration of the active ingredient to the host.

The classic symptoms of acute inflammation are redness, elevatedtemperature, swelling, and pain in the affected area, and loss offunction of the affected organ.

Symptoms and signs of inflammation associated with specific conditionsinclude:

-   -   rheumatoid arthritis—pain, swelling, warmth and tenderness of        the involved joints; generalized and morning stiffness;    -   insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus—insulitis; this condition        can lead to a variety of complications with an inflammatory        component, including: retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy;        coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and        cerebrovascular disease;    -   autoimmune thyroiditis—weakness, constipation, shortness of        breath, puffiness of the face, hands and feet, peripheral edema,        bradycardia;    -   multiple sclerosis—spasticity, blurry vision, vertigo, limb        weakness, paresthesias;    -   uveoretinitis—decreased night vision, loss of peripheral vision;    -   lupus erythematosus—joint pain, rash, photosensitivity, fever,        muscle pain, puffiness of the hands and feet, abnormal        urinalysis (hematuria, cylinduria, proteinuria),        glomerulonephritis, cognitive dysfunction, vessel thrombosis,        pericarditis;    -   scleroderma—Raynaud's disease; swelling of the hands, arms, legs        and face; skin thickening; pain, swelling and stiffness of the        fingers and knees, gastrointestinal dysfunction, restrictive        lung disease; pericarditis; renal failure;    -   other arthritic conditions having an inflammatory component such        as rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, septic arthritis and        polyarthritis—fever, pain, swelling, tenderness;    -   other inflammatory brain disorders, such as meningitis,        Alzheimer's disease, AIDS dementia encephalitis—photophobia,        cognitive dysfunction, memory loss;    -   other inflammatory eye inflammations, such as        retinitis—decreased visual acuity;    -   inflammatory skin disorders, such as, eczema, other dermatites        (e.g., atopic, contact), psoriasis, burns induced by UV        radiation (sun rays and similar UV sources)-erythema, pain,        scaling, swelling, tenderness;    -   inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative        colitis—pain, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, fever,        arthritis;    -   asthma—shortness of breath, wheezing;    -   other allergy disorders, such as allergic rhinitis—sneezing,        itching, runny nose    -   conditions associated with acute trauma such as cerebral injury        following stroke—sensory loss, motor loss, cognitive loss;    -   heart tissue injury due to myocardial ischemia—pain, shortness        of breath;    -   lung injury such as that which occurs in adult respiratory        distress syndrome-shortness of breath, hyperventilation,        decreased oxygenation, pulmonary infiltrates;    -   inflammation accompanying infection, such as sepsis, septic        shock, toxic shock syndrome—fever, respiratory failure,        tachycardia, hypotension, leukocytosis;    -   other inflammatory conditions associated with particular organs        or tissues, such as nephritis (e.g.,        glomerulonephritis)-oliguria, abnormal urinalysis;    -   inflamed appendix—fever, pain, tenderness, leukocytosis;    -   gout—pain, tenderness, swelling and erythema of the involved        joint, elevated serum    -   and/or urinary uric acid;    -   inflamed gall bladder—abdominal pain and tenderness, fever,        nausea, leukocytosis;    -   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—shortness of breath,        wheezing;    -   congestive heart failure—shortness of breath, rales, peripheral        edema;    -   Type II diabetes—end organ complications including        cardiovascular, ocular, renal, and peripheral vascular disease,        lung fibrosis—hyperventilation, shortness of breath, decreased        oxygenation;    -   vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis—pain,        loss of sensation, diminished pulses, loss of function and        alloimmunity leading to transplant rejection—pain, tenderness,        fever.

Subclinical symptoms include without limitation diagnostic markers forinflammation the appearance of which may precede the manifestation ofclinical symptoms. One class of subclinical symptoms is immunologicalsymptoms, such as the invasion or accumulation in an organ or tissue ofproinflammatory lymphoid cells or the presence locally or peripherallyof activated pro-inflammatory lymphoid cells recognizing a pathogen oran antigen specific to the organ or tissue. Activation of lymphoid cellscan be measured by techniques known in the art.

The compounds of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range.For example, in the treatment of adult humans, dosages from about 0.05to about 1000 mg,

preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, per day may be used. A mostpreferable dosage is about 0.5 mg to about 250 mg per day. In choosing aregimen for patients it may frequently be necessary to begin with ahigher dosage and when the condition is under control to reduce thedosage. The exact dosage will depend upon the mode of administration, onthe therapy desired, form in which administered, the subject to betreated and the body weight of the subject to be treated, and thepreference and experience of the physician or veterinarian in charge.

Generally, the compounds of the present invention are dispensed in aunit dosage form comprising from about 0.05 to about 1000 mg of activeingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Generally, dosage forms suitable for oral, nasal, pulmonal ortransdermal administration comprise from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 mg,preferably from about 0.5 mg to about 250 mg of the compounds admixedwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Some of the representative compounds according to the present inventionare specified below but should not construed to be limited thereto;

-   1.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide-   2.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxamide-   3.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide-   4.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide-   5.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide    sodium-   6.    2-ethyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate-   7.    5-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate-   8.    N5-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide    hydrochloride-   9. Ethyl    9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro    benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate-   10. tert-butyl    9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate-   11. tert-butyl    9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate-   12.    tert-butyl-9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-cyclopropyl    methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate-   13.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole    hydrochloride-   14.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole    hydrochloride-   15.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-2,5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole

16.N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-2-methyl-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole

-   17.    tert-butyl-9-(4-pyridinylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate-   18.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide    sodium-   19.    N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide-   20.    N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide    hydrochloride-   21.    N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide    hydrochloride-   22.    N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2,9-dimethyl-8-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxamide-   23.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide-   24.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide    sodium-   25.    3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate-   26.    3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate-   27.    3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate    sodium-   28.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro    benzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide-   29.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide-   30.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate-   31.    N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate    and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (when the compound is    described as its free base) or the free base and other    pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (when the compound is    described as a salt).    Methods of Preparation

The compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by the following processes.The symbols Ar, T, U, V, W, X, Y, R¹, R², and R³ when used in theformulae below are to be understood to represent those groups describedabove in relation to formula (1) unless otherwise indicated.

In one embodiment the compounds of formula (1) wherein Y is —CONR⁴, Tand W are C, U and V are N, the dotted lines

in the ring indicate double bonds, p=0, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, and n areas described in the general description, can be synthesized as describedin the general synthetic scheme I.

In the above scheme, an appropriately substituted aromatic compound (10)can be reacted with 2-chloroacetoacetate, for example, in the presenceof a base (such as sodium hydroxide and the like), to obtain theintermediate of the formula (11) which can then be cyclised, forexample, under acidic conditions (such as polyphosphoric acid (PPA) ormethanesulfonic acid and the like), to obtain the intermediate of theformula (12). The intermediate of the formula (12) can then beformylated, for example, with dichloromethyl methyl ether in thepresence of tin chloride, to the intermediate of the formula (13). Theintermediate of the formula (13) can then be oxidized to the carboxylicacid intermediate of the formula (14), for example with oxidizing agentssuch as sodium chlorite or potassium permanganate. The intermediate ofthe formula (14) can then be esterified to give the intermediate of theformula (15). The intermediate of formula (15) can then be converted tothe intermediate of the formula (17) via the intermediate of formula(16) using radical bromination followed by oxidation with, for example,alkaline DMSO. The intermediate (17) thus formed can then be reactedwith hydrazine hydrate to obtain the intermediate of the formula (18)which can be aromatized using known methods in the art such asphosphorus oxychloride to give the intermediate of formula (19). Theintermediate of formula (19) is converted to the intermediate of formula(21). For example, dechlorination, such as under palladium catalysedhydrogenation, (which produces the intermediate of formula (20))followed by basic hydrolysis will give the intermediate of the formula(21). The final compounds (I) can be prepared by reacting the acidhalide or the mixed anhydride or active ester of the intermediate of theformula (21) with an appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, forexample, using standard basic conditions such as those known in theliterature (e.g., in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF ordiisopropylethyamine in THF).

In another embodiment, the compounds of the formula (1) wherein Y is—CONR⁴, T is C, W is C═O, U is N, V is NR^(a), the dotted line

between V and W in the ring is absent, the remaining dotted linesrepresent double bonds, p=0, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, R^(a) and n are asdescribed in the general description, can be synthesized as described inthe general synthetic scheme Ia.

In the above scheme, the intermediate (17a) can be reacted withhydrazine hydrate to obtain the intermediate of formula (18a).Intermediate (18a) can then be reacted with a compound of formulaR^(a)-G (wherein G is a leaving group) to yield the intermediate offormula (19a). The intermediate of formula (19a) can be hydrolysed togive the intermediate of formula (20a). The final compound of formula(1) can be prepared by reacting the acid halide or the mixed anhydrideor active ester of the intermediate of the formula (20a) with anappropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standardbasic conditions such as those known in the literature (e.g., in thepresence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF).

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of formula (1) wherein Y is—CONR⁴, T is C, W is C═O, U is N, V is NR^(a), the dotted line

between V and W in the ring is absent, the remaining dotted linesrepresent double bonds, p=0, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, R^(a) and n are asdescribed in the general description, can be synthesized as described inthe general synthetic scheme Ib.

In the above scheme, the intermediate (17a) can be reacted with aintermediate of general formula NH₂—NHR^(a) to obtain the intermediateof formula (19a). The intermediate of formula (19a) can then behydrolyzed to give the intermediate of formula (20a). The finalcompounds of formula (1) can be prepared by reacting the acid halide orthe mixed anhydride or active ester of the intermediate of the formula(20a) with an appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example,using standard basic conditions such as those known in the literature(e.g., in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyaminein THF).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, T and V are N, U and W are C, the dotted lines

in the ring indicate double bonds, p=0 or 1, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, andn are as described in the general description, can be synthesized asdescribed in the general scheme II.

In the above general scheme II, an appropriately substituted aromaticaldehyde (22) can be converted to the intermediate of formula (23), suchas by reacting it with ethylbromoacetate in the presence of a base suchas potassium carbonate and the like. The formyl group of theintermediate of formula (23) can then be converted to the cyano groupusing a standard aldehyde to oxime to nitrile process via anintermediate of formula (24) to get the intermediate of formula (25).Cyclisation, for example, in the presence of an appropriate amide suchas formamide or acetamide, can give the intermediate of formula (26).The intermediate of formula (26) can be converted to the intermediate offormula (28). For example, treatment of the intermediate of formula (26)with phosphorus oxychloride to give the intermediate of formula (27)followed by dechlorination, such as under hydrogenation in the presenceof palladium on carbon, can give the intermediate of formula (28).Intermediate (28) can then be brominated, for example, using bromine inacetic acid, to give an intermediate of formula (29) followed bydisplacement of the bromine with cyanide, for example, using coppercyanide in DMF, to give the intermediate of formula (30). Hydrolysis,such as with sulfuric acid, yields the carboxylic acid intermediate offormula (31). The final compounds of formula (1) are prepared byreacting the acid halide or the mixed anhydride or active ester of theintermediate of formula (31) with an appropriate amine of the formulaArNHR⁴, for example, using standard basic conditions such as those knownin the literature (e.g., in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF ordiisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, the dotted lines

in the ring indicate double bonds and Ar, T, U, V, W, X, R¹, R², and R³are as described in the general description, can be synthesized asdescribed in the general synthetic scheme III.

In the above general scheme III, the intermediate (34) can be obtainedby reacting the compound of formula (32) (wherein Z₁ is Br or I and Z₂is F or Cl) with the compound of formula (33) (wherein FG is alkyl,formyl, acetyl, cyano or ester), for example, under appropriate basicconditions such as potassium carbonate in DMF. The intermediate offormula (34) can then be cyclised to the intermediate of formula (35),for example, using catalytic palladium or nickel salts. The functionalgroup (FG) in the intermediate of formula (35) can then be converted tothe carboxylic acid (if FG is alkyl, formyl or acetyl then it can beoxidized or if FG is cyano or ester then it can be hydrolysed to thecarboxylic acid) to obtain the intermediate of formula (36). The finalcompounds of formula (1) can then be prepared by reacting the acidhalide or the mixed anhydride or active ester of the intermediate offormula (36) with an appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, forexample, using standard basic conditions such as those known in theliterature (e.g., in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF ordiisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, the dotted lines

between T and U and between V and W in the ring are absent, the dottedline in the center ring represents a double bond, and Ar, T, U, V, W, X,R¹, R², and R³ are as described in the general description, can besynthesized as described in the general synthetic scheme IV.

In the above scheme, the intermediate of formula (39) can synthesized byreacting the appropriately substituted or unsubstituted intermediate offormula (37) (wherein Z is a halogen) with an appropriately substitutedaryl intermediate of formula (38), for example, under appropriate basicconditions such as potassium carbonate in DMF. Intermediate (39) can becyclized, for example, under standard acidic conditions such as withpolyphosphoric acid or methane sulfonic acid, to give the intermediateof formula (40) which further can be formylated, for example, usingstandard literature methods such as dichlormethylmethyl ether in thepresence of a lewis acid (such as tin chloride), to give theintermediate of formula (41). The formyl group of the intermediate offormula (41) can then be oxidized to a carboxylic acid to obtain theintermediate of formula (42). The final compounds of formula (1) canthen be prepared by reacting the acid halide or the mixed anhydride oractive ester of the intermediate of formula (42) with an appropriateamine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standard basicconditions such as those known in the literature (e.g., in the presenceof sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

In yet another embodiment the desired compounds of formula (1) wherein Yis —CONR⁴, U is N, T, V, and W are C, the dotted lines

in the ring indicate double bonds, p=0 or 1, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, andn are as described in the general description, can be synthesized asdescribed in the general scheme V.

In the above scheme V, the intermediate (43) can be synthesized byreacting the intermediate of formula (38) and propargyl bromide, forexample, in the presence of a suitable base such as potassium carbonate.The intermediate of formula (43) can be subjected to cyclisation, suchas in the presence of cesium fluoride, to afford the intermediate (44).Intermediate (45) can be formed by formylation of the intermediate (44),such as with dichloromethylmethyl ether in the presence of tin (IV)chloride. Intermediate (45) can be oxidized, such as with an oxidizingagent (e.g., sodium chlorite, potassium permanganate, or hydrogenperoxide), followed by esterification to yield the intermediate offormula (46), wherein R⁷ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl,unsubstituted or substituted aryl, or substituted or substitutedarylalkyl. The intermediate of formula (48) can be further obtained bybromination of the intermediate of formula (46), such as with NBS, toyield the intermediate of formula (47), followed by oxidativedebromination, such as with dimethylsufoxide in the presence of a basesuch as sodium carbonate. The intermediate (48) can be converted to theintermediate of formula (49), such as with malonic acid in the presenceof a base such as piperidine. The azido intermediate of formula (50) canthen be obtained by treatment of intermediate (49) with, for example,ethyl chloroformate followed by sodium azide. The azido intermediate(50) can be cyclized, for example at a temperature of 180° C. or more,to provide the intermediate of formula (51). Intermediate (51) can beconverted, for example, by treatment with phosphorus oxychloride, toform the intermediate of formula (52). Reductive dechlorination of theintermediate (52), for example, with Pd/C or Raney nickel, affords theintermediate (53). Hydrolysis of the intermediate of formula (53), forexample, in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide and thelike, provides the intermediate of formula (54). The final compounds offormula (1) can be prepared by reacting the acid halide or the mixedanhydride or active ester of the intermediate of formula (54) with anappropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standardbasic conditions such as those known in the literature (e.g., in thepresence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and thelike).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, V is —NR^(a), T, U, and W are C, the dotted lines

between T and U and between V and W in the ring are absent, theremaining dotted line represents a bond, p=0 or 1, and Ar, X, R¹, R²,R³, R^(a) and n are as described in the general description, can besynthesized as described in the general scheme VI.

In the above scheme VI, the intermediate (55) can be synthesized byreacting the intermediate of formula (38) with4-chloroethylacetoacetate, for example, in the presence of a suitablebase such as potassium carbonate. Intermediate (55) can be cyclized,such as in the presence of polyphosphoric acid or sulfuric acid, toafford the intermediate of formula (56). This intermediate can beconverted to the amide intermediate of formula (57), for example withammonia (such as in methanol). Reduction of amide intermediate (57)using reducing agents such as borane in THF or lithium aluminium hydrideprovides the amine intermediate of formula (58). The intermediate offormula (60) can be obtained by treating amine intermediate (58), forexample, with ethyl chloroformate, to form the intermediate of formula(59) followed by cyclization, for example, in the presence offormaldehyde and an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid.Intermediate (60) can be formylated, for example using standardconditions such as dichloromethylmethyl ether in the presence of tin(IV) chloride, to obtain the intermediate of formula (61). Intermediate(61) can be oxidized, for example with an oxidizing agent such as sodiumchlorite, potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide, to form theintermediate of formula (62). The ethyl carbamate portion of theintermediate (62) can be converted to t-butyl carbamate, for example, bybasic hydrolysis followed by treatment with, for example, BOC-anhydrideto obtain the intermediate of formula (63). The final compounds offormula (1) can be prepared by reacting the acid halide or the mixedanhydride or active ester of the intermediate of the formula (63) withan appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standardbasic conditions such as those known in the literature (e.g., in thepresence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethylamine in THF andthe like).

In yet another embodiment, the intermediate (58) can be synthesized asdescribed in general scheme VIA.

In the above scheme VIA, treatment of the intermediate (64) with, forexample, cyanoacetic acid in the presence of ammonium acetate canprovide the nitrile intermediate (65) which on reduction with a reducingagent, such as lithium aluminum hydride, borane, or Pd/C hydrogenation,can provide the amino intermediate (58). Intermediate (58) can then beconverted to compounds of formula (I) by the process described in schemeVI.

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, U is —NR^(a), T=V═W is C, the dotted lines

between T and U and between V and W in the ring are absent, theremaining dotted line is a bond, p=0 or 1, and Ar, X, R¹, R², R³, R^(a)and n are as described in the general description, can be synthesized asdescribed in the general scheme VII.

In the above scheme VII, treatment of the aromatic aldehyde intermediateof formula (22) with, for example, ethylbromoacetate in the presence ofa base such as potassium carbonate, can provide the intermediate offormula (66) which on reduction with a reducing agent, such as lithiumaluminum hydride, borane, or Pd/C, can provide the alcohol intermediateof formula (67). The intermediate (67) can then be converted to thenitrile intermediate of formula (69) via the chloride intermediate offormula (68) by its treatment with a chlorinating agent, such asmethanesulfonyl chloride in triethylamine or thionyl chloride, followedby treatment with a cyanating agent, such as sodium cyanide. The nitrileintermediate (69) can be further reduced to the amino intermediate offormula (70) with a reducing agent, such as lithium aluminum hydride,borane, or Pd/C hydrogenation. The tricyclic intermediate of formula(72) can be obtained by treating the amine intermediate of formula (70)with, for example, ethyl chloroformate, to form the intermediate offormula (71) followed by cyclization, for example, in the presence offormaldehyde and an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid.Intermediate (72) can be formylated, for example using standardconditions such as dichloromethylmethyl ether in the presence of tin(IV) chloride to obtain the intermediate of formula (73). Intermediate(73) can be oxidized with an oxidizing agent, such as sodium chlorite,potassium permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide, to form the acidintermediate of formula (74). The ethyl carbamate portion ofintermediate (74) can be converted to t-butyl carbamate by, for example,basic hydrolysis followed by treatment with BOC-anhydride to obtain theintermediate of formula (75). The final compounds of formula (1) can beprepared by reacting the acid halide or the mixed anhydride or activeester of the intermediate of formula (75) with an appropriate amine ofthe formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standard basic conditions such asthose known in the literature (e.g., in the presence of sodium hydridein DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, V is —NR^(a), W is —C(═O), T and U are C, the dotted lines

between T and U and between V and W in the ring are absent, theremaining dotted line represents a double bond, p=0 or 1, and Ar, X, R¹,R², R³, R^(a) and n are as described in the general description, can besynthesized as described in the general scheme VIII.

In the above scheme VIII, the intermediate of formula (76) when reactedwith the intermediate of formula (77) can provide the intermediate offormula (78), which on acid catalyzed cyclization can provide theintermediate of formula (79). Reacting intermediate (79) with anintermediate of the formula R^(a)-G wherein G is a leaving group (forexample R^(a)-G can be an alkyl halide (e.g., iodomethane, ethyl bromideand the like)) in the presence of a base (such as sodium hydride orpotassium carbonate) forms the intermediate of formula (80). Hydrolysisof intermediate (80), for example, in the presence of a base, such assodium hydroxide, provides the acid intermediate of formula (81). Thefinal compounds of formula (1) can be prepared by reacting the acidhalide or the mixed anhydride or active ester of intermediate (81) withan appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standardbasic conditions such as those known in the literature (e.g., in thepresence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and thelike).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is —CONR⁴, U is —NR^(a), S(O)_(m), or O, T, V, and W are C, the dottedlines

between T and U and between V and W in the ring are absent, theremaining dotted line represents a double bond, p=0, X is NR^(b), andAr, R¹, R², R³, R^(b) and n are as described in the general description,can be synthesized as described in the general scheme IX.

In the above scheme IX, the intermediate of formula (82) can be obtainedby reduction of the intermediate of formula (77), wherein R⁷ isunsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl orsubstituted or substituted arylalkyl. Intermediate (82) can then betreated with the intermediate of formula (83) (wherein U═NR^(a),S(O)_(m) or O) which will undergo Fischer-indole cyclization to providethe intermediate of formula (84). Reaction of intermediate (84) with anintermediate of formula R^(b)-G wherein G is a leaving group (forexample R^(b)-G can be an alkyl halide (e.g., iodomethane, ethyl bromideand the like)) in the presence of a base (such as sodium hydride orpotassium carbonate) to provide the intermediate of formula (85).Hydrolysis of intermediate (85), for example, in the presence of a basesuch as sodium hydroxide, provides the acid intermediate of formula(86). The final compounds of formula (1) can be prepared by reacting theacid halide or the mixed anhydride or active ester of intermediate (86)with an appropriate amine of the formula ArNHR⁴, for example, usingstandard basic conditions such as those known in the literature (e.g.,in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THFand the like).

In yet another embodiment, the desired compounds of formula (1) whereinY is SO₂NR⁴, and Ar, T, U, V, W, X, R¹, R², and R³ are as described inthe general description, the dotted lines

in the rings represent double bonds, p=0, and n=0-2, can be synthesizedas described in the general synthetic scheme below.

In the above scheme X, the intermediate of formula (87) wherein T, U, V,W, R¹, R², R³, n and p are the same as defined above, can be convertedto the intermediate of formula (88), for example with chlorosulphonicacid. The final compounds of formula (I) can be prepared by reacting theintermediate of the formula (88) with an appropriate amine of theformula ArNHR⁴, for example, using standard basic conditions such asthose known in the literature (e.g., in the presence of sodium hydridein DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of formula (1) where Y is—NR⁴SO₂ or —NR⁴CO and Ar, T, U, V, W, X, R¹, R², and R³ are as describedin the general description, the dotted lines

in the rings represent double bonds, p=0, and n=0-2, can be synthesizedusing the process described in scheme XI.

In the above scheme XI, the intermediate of formula (87) wherein T, U,V, W, R¹, R², R³, n and p are the same as defined above, can beconverted to the intermediate of formula (89) by treatment with anitrating mixture such as for example HNO₃/H₂SO₄. The intermediate offormula (89) can then be reduced with a suitable reducing agent (such asH₂/Pd/C or Raney-Ni/NH₂NH₂) to provide the intermediate of formula (90).The final compounds of formula (1) can be prepared by reacting theintermediate of the formula (90) with an appropriate intermediate of theformula ArSO₂Cl or ArCOCl for example, using standard basic conditionssuch as those known in the literature (e.g., in the presence of sodiumhydride in DMF or diisopropylethyamine in THF and the like).

The desired compounds of formula (1) obtained by any of theaforementioned schemes can then be converted into their salts and/or theN-oxides and, if desired, salts of the compounds of the formula (1)obtained are then converted into the free compounds. The N-oxidation maybe carried out by any manner known in the art, e.g. with the aid ofm-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in dichloromethane at room temperature.

The substances according to the invention may be isolated and purifiedby any method known in the art, e.g., by distilling off the solvent invacuum and recrystallizing the residue obtained from a suitable solventor subjecting it to one of the customary purification methods, such ascolumn chromatography on a suitable support material.

Salts can be obtained by dissolving the free compound in a suitablesolvent, e.g., in a chlorinated hydrocarbon, such as methylene chlorideor chloroform, or a low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol (e.g.,ethanol, isopropanol) which contains the desired acid or base, or towhich the desired acid or base is then added. The salts can be obtainedby filtering, reprecipitating, precipitating with a non-solvent for theaddition salt or by evaporating the solvent. Salts obtained can beconverted by basification or acidification into the free compoundswhich, in turn can be converted into salts.

The chlorinated solvent which may be employed may be selected fromdichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbontetrachloride andthe like. The aromatic solvents which may be employed may be selectedfrom benzene and toluene. The alchoholic solvents which may be employedmay be selected from methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso propanol,tert-butanol and the like.

In general, the compounds prepared in the above described processes canbe obtained in pure form by using known techniques such ascrystallization using solvents such as pentane, diethyl ether, isopropylether, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol,ethanol, isopropanol, water or their combinations, or columnchromatography using alumina or silica gel and eluting the column withsolvents such as hexane, petroleum ether (pet.ether), chloroform, ethylacetate, acetone, methanol or their combinations.

Various polymorphs of a compound of formula (1) forming part of thisinvention may be prepared by crystallization of compound of formula (1)under different conditions. For example, using different solventscommonly used or their mixtures for recrystallization; crystallizationsat different temperatures, various modes of cooling, ranging from veryfast to very slow cooling during crystallizations. Polymorphs may alsobe obtained by heating or melting the compound followed by gradual orfast cooling. The presence of polymorphs may be determined by solidprobe NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, differential scanningcalorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction or other techniques.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositionscontaining one or more compounds of formula (1) (including derivatives,analogs, tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, polymorphs, enantiomers, anddiasteromers) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (andpharmaceutically acceptable solvates) in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of dosage unit forms,such as tablets, capsules, powders, syrups, solutions, and suspensionsand the like. The pharmaceutical compositions may contain suitable solidor liquid carriers or diluents, or be in suitable sterile media to forminjectable solutions or suspensions. For oral administration, thecompounds of formula (1) can be combined with a suitable solid, liquidcarrier or diluent to form capsules, tablets, powders, syrups,solutions, suspensions or the like. The pharmaceutical compositions,may, if desired, contain additional components such as flavorants,sweeteners, excipients and the like. For parenteral administration, thecompounds of the formula (1) can be combined with sterile aqueous ororganic media to form injectable solutions or suspensions. For example,solutions in sesame or peanut oil, aqueous propylene glycol and the likecan be used as well as aqueous solutions of water-solublepharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts or salts with a base ofthe compounds of formula (1). The injectable solutions prepared in thismanner can then be administered intravenously, intraperitoneally,subcutaneously, or intramuscularly.

The compounds can also be administered by inhalation when applicationwithin the respiratory tract is intended. For example, the compound ofFormula (1) can be delivered by respiratory inhalation in the form of anaerosol under pressure. It is preferred to micronize the compound ofFormula (1) after it has been homogenised, e.g., in lactose, glucose,higher fatty acids, sodium salt of dioctylsulfosuccinic acid or, mostpreferably, in carboxymethyl cellulose, in order to achieve amicroparticle size of 5 μm or less for the majority of particles. Forthe inhalation formulation, the aerosol can be mixed with a gas or aliquid propellant for dispensing the active substance. An inhaler oratomizer or nebulizer may be used. Such devices are known. See, e.g.,Newman et al., Thorax, 1985, 40:61-676 and Berenberg, M., J. Asthma USA,1985, 22:87-92, both of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. A Bird nebulizer can also be used. See also U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,402,733; 6,273,086; and 6,228,346, incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. The compound of the structure (1) forinhalation is preferably formulated in the form of a dry powder withmicronized particles. The compounds of the invention may also be used ina metered dose inhaler using methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,131,566, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In addition to the compounds of formula (1) the pharmaceuticalcompositions of the present invention may also contain or beco-administered with one or more known therapeutic agents.

Methods of Treatment

The pharmaceutical compositions according to this invention can be usedfor the treatment of allergic disorders.

The compounds of formula (1) down regulate or inhibit the production ofTNF-α as they are PDE4 inhibitors and therefore are useful in thetreatment of variety of allergic and inflammatory diseases includingasthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergicrhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjuctivitis, eosinophilicgranuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, diabetes,ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of themyocardium and brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock andadult respiratory distress syndrome. The compounds of the presentinvention are particularly useful for the treatment of asthma andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating aninflammatory disease, disorder or condition characterized by orassociated with an undesirable inflammatory immune response, or adisease or condition induced by or associated with an excessivesecretion of TNF-α and PDE-4 in a subject in need thereof byadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aPDE-4 inhibitor or a pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating aninflammatory condition or an immune disorder in a subject in needthereof by administering to the subject a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound according to formula (I) or a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the present invention. Inflammatory conditions and immunedisorders which can be treated with the PDE-4 inhibitors of the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, asthma, bronchial asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilicgranuloma, nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, chronicbronchitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, psoraisis, uticaria,adult vernal cojunctivitis, respiratory distress syndrome, rhematoidspondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, uvelitis, allergicconjunctivitis, inflammatory bowel conditions, ulcerative coalitis,eczema, atopic dermatitis and chronic inflammation. Preferredinflammatory conditions include, but are not limited to, allergicinflammatory conditions.

Further preferred are inflammatory conditions and immune disorderschosen from inflammatory conditions and immune disorders of the lungs,joints, eyes, bowels, skin or heart.

Further preferred are inflammatory conditions chosen from asthma andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method for abatinginflammation in an affected organ or tissue by delivering to the organor tissue a therapeutically effective amount of a PDE-4 inhibitor or apharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating adisease of the central nervous system in a subject in need thereof byadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aPDE-4 inhibitor or a pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

Diseases of the central nervous system tratable with the compounds ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to, depression,amnesia, dementia, Alzheimers disease, cardiac failure, shock andcerebrovascular disease.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating insulinresistant diabetes in a subject in need thereof by administering to thesubject a therapeutically effective amount of a PDE-4 inhibitor or apharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

The following examples are illustrative in nature and do not in anywayrestrict the actual scope of the invention.

Example 1N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

Step 1: ethyl 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-oxobutanoate

A mixture of guaicol (20.0 g, 186.9 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (8.9 g,224.4 mmol) in benzene (300 ml) was refluxed for 3-4 hrs. Then thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and 2-chloro ethylacetoacetate (37 g, 224.4 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixturewas stirred at room temp for 24 hrs. Water (300 ml) was added toreaction mixture, acidified with dilute HCl and extracted by ethylacetate (3×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with water(3×100 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After concentratingthe organic extract, the crude mass was purified by silica gel columnchromatography using 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether. 15.0 g ofpure product was obtained as pale yellow oil.

IR (KBr): 3067, 2983, 2942, 2839, 1750, 1730, 1660, 1593, 1500, 1457,1259, 1206, 1178, 1114, 1092, 1026, 750 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.26 (t, 3H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 4.22(q, 2H), 5.022 (s, 1H), 6.84-7.08 (m, 4H).

Step 2: ethyl 7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-oxobutanoate (12.0 g, 47.8 mmol) was addedto the polyphosphoric acid at 80-90° C. under stirring. After completionof the reaction, reaction mixture was cooled to room temp and ice (250g) was added to the reaction mass. The organic mass was extracted bydichloro methane (3×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washedwith water (3×100 ml) followed by brine (100 ml) and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. After concentrating organic volume, browncolored solid (8.5 g) was obtained.

IR (KBr): 3078, 3061, 3002, 2978, 2931, 2908, 1719, 1586, 1500, 1397,1384, 1306, 1280, 1182, 1164, 1150, 1047, 1020, 853, 789, 741 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.34 (t, 3H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 3.95 (s, 3H),4.36 (q, 2H), 7.12 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.2 Hz), 7.31 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 7.34(dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.2 Hz).

Step 3: ethyl 4-formyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxylate

The solution of ethyl 7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxylate (5.0g, 21.3 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C.Tin(IV)chloride (11.3 g, 42.7 mmol) was added at once to the reactionmixture at −10-0° C. Then dichloromethyl methyl ether (3.6 g, 31.95mmol) was added dropwise at the same temp. Water (200 ml) was added toreaction mixture and dichloromethane was distilled off under vacuum. Thesolid obtained was filtered and suck dried. The solid was purified bycolumn chromatography using 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether. 3.3 gof pure product was obtained as pale yellow solid.

IR (KBr): 3051, 2986, 2968, 2937, 2866, 1707, 1680, 1609, 1573, 1463,1367, 1337, 1287, 1294, 1264, 1166, 1083, 1045, 938, 783 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.60 (t, 3H), 2.83 (s, 3H), 4.06 (s, 3H),4.40 (q, 2H), 7.33 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.95 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 10.23 (s,1H).

Step 4: 2-ethoxycarbonyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylicacid

The solution of ethyl4-formyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxylate (3.0 g, 11.4mmol) in acetone (30 ml) was cooled to 10-20° C. Sulfamic acid (1.55 g,17.1 mmol) was added at once to the reaction mixture at 10-20° C. Thensolution of sodium chlorite (1.6 g, 17.1 mmol) in water (10 ml) wasadded dropwise at the same temp. Water (100 ml) was added to reactionmixture. Acetone was distilled off under vacuum. The solid obtained wasfiltered and suck dried. Yellow coloured solid (3.0 g) was obtained.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.34 (t, 3H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 4.01 (s, 3H),4.38 (q, 2H), 7.18 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.82 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 12.9 (s,1H).

Step 5:2-ethyl-4-methyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

A mixture of2-ethoxycarbonyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylic acid (3.0g, 10.79 mmol) and potassium carbonate (7.4, 54.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (30 ml) was heated to reflux temp at 80-90° C. Then dimethylsulfate (4.06 g, 32.3 mmol was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at80-90° C. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temp. Water (300 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitateobtained was filtered and dried in oven. Yellow coloured solid (2.8 g)was obtained.

IR (KBr): 2978, 2937, 1702, 1615, 1573, 1441, 1432, 1342, 1297, 1266,1240, 1177, 1129, 1083, 1043, 1012, 930, 850, 781 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.35 (t, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H),4.02 (s, 3H), 4.38 (q, 2H), 7.20 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz).

Step 6:2-ethyl-4-methyl-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

A mixture of2-ethyl-4-methyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate (2.80g, 9.5 mmol), n-bromo succinimide (2.04 g, 1.1 mmol) and benzoylperoxide (0.45 g, 1.9 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (30 ml) was heatedto reflux temp at 80-90° C. Water (100 ml) was added to reactionmixture. Organic mass was extracted by dichloromethane (3×50 ml). Thecombined organic phases were washed with water (3×50 ml) followed bybrine (100 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Afterconcentrating organic volume, 3.2 g of brown coloured solid wasobtained.

IR (KBr): 3076, 2984, 2957, 2852, 1727, 1711, 1617, 1574, 1426, 1373,1272, 1297, 1228, 1193, 1142, 1023, 920, 774, 657 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.37 (t, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 4.04 (s, 3H),4.46 (q, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 7.28 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.93 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz).

Step 7: 2-ethyl-4-methyl3-formyl-7-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

A mixture of potassium iodide (1.71 g, 10.3 mmol), and sodium carbonate(1.82 g, 17.2 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (20 ml) was heated to 80-90°C. under nitrogen. Then2-ethyl-4-methyl-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate(3.2 g, 8.6 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at once at the sametemp. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temp. and water (200 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture. Organic mass was extracted by dichloromethane(3×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with water (3×100ml) followed by brine (100 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate.After concentrating organic volume under vacuum, the crude mass waspurified by column chromatography using 20% ethyl acetate in petroleumether. 568 mg of pure product was obtained as pale yellow solid.

IR (KBr): 2986, 2960, 1721, 1706, 1615, 1581, 1515, 1434, 1375, 1339,1280, 1231, 1194, 1178, 1026, 920, 778 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.35 (t, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.06 (s, 3H),4.42 (q, 2H), 7.31 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.88 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.51 (s,1H).

Step 8:methyl(6-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine)-9-carboxylate

To a solution of 2-ethyl 4-methyl3-formyl-7-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate (568 mg, 1.8 mmol) inethanol (20 ml), hydrazine hydrate (185 mg, 3.7 mmol) was added at roomtemp. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temp. for 3-4 hrs. Water(100 ml) was added to reaction mixture and the solid obtained wasfiltered and suck dried. The solid was dried in oven. White coloredsolid (397 mg) was obtained.

IR (KBr): 3168, 3078, 3006, 2951, 2909, 2347, 1698, 1591, 1281, 1028,981, 921 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.93 (s, 3H), 4.10 (s, 3H), 7.41 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 8.19 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.10 (s, 1H), 13.51 (s, 1H).

Step 9: methyl(4-chloro-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine)-9-carboxylate

A suspension of methyl6-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(396 mg, 1.44 mmol) in phosphorous oxychloride (10 ml) was heated toreflux temp at 120-130° C. Reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water(100 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. Theprecipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven. Yellow coloredsolid (390 mg) was obtained.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.04 (s, 3H), 4.14 (s, 3H), 7.61 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 8.24 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.35 (s, 1H).

Step 10: methyl (6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine)-9-carboxylate

A suspension of methyl4-chloro-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate (390 mg,1.33 mmol), catalytic amount of aqueous ammonia and 10% palladium oncarbon (180 mg) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated at 30 psi hydrogenpressure at room temp. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At theend, reaction mixture was filtered through cellite bed. Bed was washedwith methanol (3×10 ml). The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. 210mg yellow colored solid was obtained.

IR (KBr): 3113, 2950, 2852, 1711, 1624, 1588, 1438, 1301, 1298, 1117,1021, 979, 842 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.04 (s, 3H), 4.13 (s, 3H), 7.57 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 8.22 d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.01 (s, 1H), 10.40 (s, 1H).

Step 11: 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylic acid

A mixture of methyl6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate (210 mg, 0.81mmol) and sodium hydroxide (65 mg, 1.64 mmol) in methanol (20 ml) washeated to reflux temp at 60-70° C. for 3-4 hrs. Reaction mixture wasconcentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added to reactionmixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtained wasfiltered and dried in oven. 200 mg buff colored solid was obtained.

IR (KBr): 3064, 2943, 2848, 2522, 1696, 1595, 1455, 1277, 1289, 1120,997 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.11 (s, 3H), 7.53 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.19d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.98 (s, 1H), 10.47 (s, 1H).

Step 12: 4-nitrophenyl6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylic acid(200 mg, 0.819 mmol), 4-N,N-dimethyl amino pyridine (29 mg, 0.24 mmol),p-nitro phenol (170 mg, 1.22 mmol) and EDCI (233 mg, 1.22 mmol) indichloromethane (300 ml) was stirred at room temp for 6-7 hrs. Reactionmixture was concentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added toreaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtainedwas filtered and dried in oven. 190 mg buff colored solid was obtained.

IR (KBr): 3109, 2940, 2858, 2346, 1740, 1591, 1517, 1352, 1270, 1217,1117, 1130, 1013, 975 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.18 (s, 3H), 7.63 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.78(d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.44 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.51 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.04(s, 1H), 10.31 (s, 1H).

Step 13:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

A suspension of 4-nitrophenyl6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate (70 mg, 0.19mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (46 mg, 0.28 mmol) in dimethylformamide (300 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C. under nitrogen. Then sodiumhydride (15 mg, 0.38 mmol) was added at once at the same temp. undernitrogen. Reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (300 ml) wasadded dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. and acidified withdilute HCl. the precipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven. Thesolid was purified by column chromatography using 20% acetone inchloroform. 18 mg pure product was obtained as off white solid.

IR (KBr): 3195, 3045, 3028, 2937, 2842, 2344, 1655, 1596, 1490, 1303,1286, 1122, 1024, 981, 812 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.15 (s, 3H), 7.65 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.26(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.84 (s, 2H), 9.99 (s, 1H), 10.21 (s, 1H), 11.04 (s,1H).

Example 2N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxamide

Step 1: ethyl 2-(2-formyl-6-methoxyphenoxy)acetate

A mixture of o-vanillin (5.0 g, 32.9 mmol), ethyl bromoacetate (8.24 g,49.3 mmol) and potassium carbonate (9.1 g, 65.8 mmol) inN,N-dimethylformamide (50 ml) was heated to 80-90° C. for 3-4 hrs. Thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. Water (300 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The solidobtained was filtered, suck dried and dried in oven. 8.5 g of pureproduct was obtained as pale yellow solid.

m.p: 65.5-68° C.

IR (KBr): 2997, 2978, 2948, 2914, 1756, 1693, 1587, 1482, 1399, 1380,1260, 1233, 1173, 1055, 908, 780, 746 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.17 (t, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.13 (q, 2H),4.88 (s, 1H), 7.31 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 7.12 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 7.34(dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 10.51 (s, 1H).

Step 2a: ethyl 2-(2-cyano-6-methoxyphenoxy)acetate

To the mixture of sodium bicarbonate (4.47 g, 53.2 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (2.96 g, 42.6 mmol) in ethanol (30 ml), suspensionof ethyl 2-(2-formyl-6-methoxyphenoxy)acetate (8.40 g, 35.5 mmol) inethanol (50 ml) was added at room temperature under stirring. Water (100ml) was added to reaction mixture, acidified with dilute HCl and ethanolwas distilled off under vacuum. The solid obtained was filtered and suckdried. Pale yellow coloured solid (7.8 g) was obtained

m.p. 79-81° C.

IR (KBr): 3256, 2990, 1752, 1582, 1478, 1254, 1224, 1197, 1179, 1060,966, 783, 744 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.20 (t, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.15 (q, 2H),4.70 (s, 1H), 7.06 (m, 2H), 7.29 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 8.50 (s, 1H), 11.25(s, 1H).

Step 2b

The solution of dimethyl amino pyridine (3.73 g, 30.65 mmol) indichloromethane (30 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C. Thionyl chloride (7.95g, 67.39 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at −10-0° C.under nitrogen. Then solution of oxime (from step 2a) (7.75 g, 30.63mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) was added dropwise at the same tempunder nitrogen. After 15 min. a solution of dimethyl amino pyridine (5.6g, 45.93 mmol) in dichloro methane (50 ml) was added dropwise. Water(200 ml) was added to reaction mixture and basified with saturatedsodium bicarbonate solution Organic mass was extracted bydichloromethane (3×150 ml). The combined organic phases were washed withwater (3×150 ml) followed by brine (100 ml) and dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. After concentrating organic volume, 7.0 g of browncoloured solid was obtained.

m.p. 61-62° C.

IR (KBr): 3082, 2971, 2943, 2843, 2236, 1752, 1579, 1476, 1442, 1381,1307, 1284, 1263, 1189, 1090, 1071, 1053, 1019, 787, 751 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.20 (t, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 4.16 (q, 2H),4.91 (s, 1H), 7.23 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 7.31 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 7.40(dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz).

Step 3: 6-methoxy-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-4-one

Ethyl 2-(2-cyano-6-methoxyphenoxy)acetate (6.95 g, 29.5 mmol) was heatedin formamide (35 ml) at 180-200° C. for 12-14 hrs. Progress of reactionwas monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture was cooled to roomtemperature. Water (100 ml) was added to reaction mixture. The solidobtained was filtered and suck dried. Yellow coloured solid (3.50 g) wasobtained.

m.p. 279-282° C.

IR (KBr): 3060, 2970, 2951, 1701, 1604, 1447, 1424, 1311, 1272, 1243,1207, 1178, 1124, 1065, 994, 900, 801, 764, 728 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.01 (s, 3H), 7.31 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz),7.42 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 7.59 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 8.24 (s, 1H),12.99 (brs, 1H).

Step 4: 4-chloro-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine

A suspension of6-methoxy-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-4-one (3.45 g, 1.44mmol) in phosphorous oxychloride (30 ml) was heated to reflux temp at120-130° C. Reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (100 ml) wasadded dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. The precipitateobtained was filtered and dried in oven. Yellow colored solid (3.25 g)was obtained.

m.p. 174.5-176° C.

IR (KBr): 2936, 1638, 1596, 1587, 1543, 1381, 1278, 1134, 1058, 931, 764cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.06 (s, 3H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.80 (dd, 1H,J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 9.02 (s, 1H).

Step 5: 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine

A suspension of 4-chloro-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine (3.2g, 13.63 mmol), catalytic amount of aqueous ammonia and 10% palladium oncarbon (680 mg) in methanol (40 ml) was hydrogenated at 30 psi hydrogenpressure at room temp. Reaction mixture was filtered through cellitebed. Bed was washed with methanol (3×10 ml). The filtrate wasconcentrated under vacuum. 2.9 g yellow colored solid was obtained.

m.p. 140-142° C.

IR (KBr): 2923, 1637, 1597, 1584, 1561, 1396, 1293, 1277, 1180, 1098,1032, 910, 840, 756 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.04 (s, 3H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.80 (dd, 1H,J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 9. 24 (s, 1H), 9.34 (s, 1H).

Step 6: 9-bromo-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine

A mixture of 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine (2.0 g, 10.0mmol), and iron (0.042 g, 0.82 mmol) in glacial acetic acid was heatedto 80-90° C. Then bromine (3.2 g, 20.0 mmol) was added dropwise to thereaction mixture at the same temp. Reaction mixture was cooled to roomtemp. and Water (100 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at0-10° C. The precipitate obtained was filtered, washed with water anddried in oven. Yellow colored solid (2.25 g) was obtained.

pale yellow solid.

m.p. 194-196° C.

IR (KBr): 3056, 2935, 1631, 1586, 1558, 1500, 1455, 1402, 1384, 1286,1262, 1213, 1093, 1032, 893, 828, 791 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.03 (s, 3H), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.70(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.32 (s, 1H), 9.40 (s, 1H).

Step 7: 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-9-yl cyanide

A mixture of 9-bromo-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine (1.30 g,4.66 mmol), and copper (I) cyanide (0.625 g, 6.989 mmol) inN-methylpyrrolidone (10 ml) was heated to 180-190° C. for 3-4 hrs. Thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixturewas quenched by aqueous solution of FeCl₃ (0.625 g), water (50 ml) wasadded and organic mass was extracted by dichloromethane (6×50 ml). Thecombined organic phases were washed with water (3×100 ml) followed bybrine (100 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Afterconcentrating organic volume, the crude mass was purified by silica gelcolumn chromatography using 5% ethyl acetate in chloroform. 0.807 g ofpure product was obtained as pale yellow solid.

m.p.—decomposes above 268° C.

IR (KBr): 3104, 3019, 2943, 2226, 1628, 1395, 1293, 1190, 1028, 904, 825cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.13 (s, 3H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.10(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.38 (s, 1H), 9.49 (s, 1H).

Step 8: 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxylic acid

A solution of 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-9-yl cyanide (600mg, 2.66 mmol) in 50% sulphuric acid (5 ml H₂SO₄+5 ml water) was heatedto reflux temp at 140-150° C. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.At the end, reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (100 ml) wasadded dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. The precipitateobtained was filtered and dried in oven. The solid was purified bysilica gel column chromatography using 10% acetone in chloroform. Whitecolored solid (400 mg) was obtained.

m.p.—decomposes above 280° C.

IR (KBr): 3067, 2918, 2710, 2639, 2517, 1697, 1627, 1579, 1554, 1442,1384, 1294, 1255, 1123, 1026, 898, 769 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.13 (s, 3H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.01(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.27 (s, 1H), 9.43 (s, 1H), 13.5 (brs, 1H).

Step 9: 4-nitrophenyl6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of 6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxylic acid(100 mg, 0.409 mmol) and catalytic amount of DMF in thionyl chloride (5ml) was refluxed for 3-4 hrs. Thionyl chloride was distilled off undervacuum. To the concentrated mass, tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added undernitrogen at room temperature. A solution of p-nitrophenol (85 mg, 0.613mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added to reaction mixture undernitrogen at room temperature. Triethyl amine (82 mg, 0.818 mmol) wasadded at room temperature under nitrogen. Water was added to thereaction mixture at room temperature. The solid obtained was filteredand purified by silica gel column chromatography using 10% ethyl acetatein chloroform. buff colored solid (96 mg) was obtained.

m.p.—decomposes above 260° C.

IR (KBr): 2925, 1727, 1627, 1592, 1518, 1392, 1351, 1291, 1265, 1229,1124, 1024, 900, 873, 806 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.16 (s, 3H), 7.30 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.80(d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.27 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.42 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.32(s, 1H), 9.48 (s, 1H).

Step 10:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxamide

A suspension of 4-nitrophenyl6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-9-carboxylate (90 mg, 0.27mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (66 mg, 0.411 mmol) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C. under nitrogen. Then sodiumhydride (21 mg, 0.54 mmol) was added at once at the same temp. undernitrogen. Reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (300 ml) wasadded dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. and acidified withdilute HCl. the precipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven. Thesolid was purified by column chromatography using 20% ethyl acetate inchloroform. 25 mg pure product was obtained as off white solid.

m.p.—decomposes above 260° C.

IR (KBr): 3171, 3097, 2919, 2849, 1680, 1622, 1597, 1508, 1400, 1282,1119, 1022, 903, 806 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.16 (s, 3H), 7.71 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.37(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.37 (s, 1H), 9.60 (s, 1H), 13.19 (s, 1H).

Example 3N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide

Step 1: 1-methoxy-2-(2-propenyloxy)benzene

To a well stirred solution of guaiacol (10.0 g, 80.55 mmol) andpropargyl bromide (11.5 g, 96.66 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was addedanhydrous K₂CO₃ (22.0 g, 161.2 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 3-4 hours. The mixture was then filtered to removeinorganic material. Filtrate was concentrated under vacuo and dilutedwith water (250 mL). It was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×100 mL) anddried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuo gavethe product (13.0 g) as brown oil.

IR (Neat): 3438, 2949, 1728, 1619, 1589, 1426, 1291, 1107, 1001, 957,825, 758 cm^(−I).

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): 2.49 (s, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.76 (s, 2H),6.95 (m, 4H).

Step 2: 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan

To a well stirred solution of 1-methoxy-2-(2-propenyloxy)benzene (fromstep 1) (13.0 g, 80.24 mmol) in N,N-diethyl aniline (130 mL) was addedcesium fluoride (15.85 g, 104 mmol) and the mixture was heated to215-220° C. for 4-5 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to roomtemperature and 10% aqueous HCl solution (1.0 lit) was added followed byaddition of ethyl acetate (300 mL). The mixture was the filtered throughCelite bed. The organic layer was separated and washed with water (2×100mL) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent undervacuo gave crude product (11.0 g) as dark brown oil. It was thenpurified through silica gel column using petroleum ether: ethyl acetate(9:1) as an eluent to afford the product as pale yellow oil (4.6 g).

IR (Neat): 3440, 2952, 1725, 1627, 1599, 1421, 1285, 1118, 1005, 951,818, 748 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): 2.47 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 6.36 (s, 1H),7.06 (m, 3H).

Step 3: 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde

To a well stirred solution of 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan (from step2) (6.5 g, 40.07 mmol) in DCM (70.0 mL) was added stannous chloride(17.7 g, 68.26 mmol) followed by slow addition of 1,1-dichloromethylmethyl ether (4.6 g, 40.07 mmol) at −10-0° C. and stirred for 1-2 hrs.Ice cold water (100 mL) was added with vigorous stirring, the organiclayer was separated and washed with water (2×50 mL) and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent gave crude product (7.0 g).The crude product was purified by silica gel column using petroleumether: ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent to afford the product as paleyellow oil (2.3 g).

m.p. 167-170° C.

IR (Neat): 3468, 3017, 1741, 1677, 1595, 1512, 1399, 1242, 1175, 1098,937, 755 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 2.50 (s, 3H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 7.09 (d, 1H,J=8.1 Hz), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.00 (s, 1H).

Step 4: 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylic acid

To a well stirred solution of7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde (from step 3) (4.0 g,21.05 mmol) in acetone (40.0 mL) was added a solution of sulphamic acid(2.4 g, 25.26 mmol) in water (10.0 mL) followed by addition of asolution of sodium chlorite (2.8 g, 31.57 mmol) at 5-10° C. Ice coldwater (250 mL) was added to reaction mixture and the product separatedwas filtered and dried at 60-70° C. to give intermediate-4 (3.2 g) aswhite solid.

m.p. 228-233° C.

IR (Neat) 3400, 1681, 1577, 1449, 1227, 1185, 1096, 966 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 2.47 (d, 3H, J=9.6 Hz), 3.98 (s, 3H), 6.93(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 12.66 (bs, 1H).

Step 5: Methyl-7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred suspension of7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylic acid (from step 4) (4.5 g,24.21 mmol) and powdered potassium carbonate (7.5 g, 54.61 mmol) inacetone (740.0 mL) was added dimethyl sulfate (4.1 g, 32.76 mmol) andrefluxed for 2-3 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperatureand water (500 mL) was added to it. The organic material separated wasextracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The combined organic layerswere washed with water ((2×100 mL) and dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuo gave product (4.0 g) as brownviscous oil.

m.p. 127-129° C.

IR (Neat): 3435, 1625, 1511, 1434, 1281, 1129, 1096, 940, 772 cm¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO)S 2.48 (d, 3H, J=9.6 Hz), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.99(s, 1H), 6.97 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.99 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 6: Methyl-2-bromomethyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred refluxing solution of AIBN (40.0 mg, 1.0%) and N-bromosuccinimide (3.4 g, 19.05 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (60.0 mL) wasadded a Methyl-7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (from step5) (4.0 g, 18.16 mmol) and refluxed for 2-3 hours. Reaction mixture wascooled to room temperature and filtered thorough Celite bed. Thefiltrate was concentrated under vacuo to give product (3.1 g) as brownoil. The product obtained was taken ahead for next step without furtherpurification.

Step 7: Methyl-2-formyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred solution ofMethyl-2-bromomethyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (step 6) (3.1g, 10.36 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (30.0 mL) was added powdered sodiumcarbonate (1.64 g, 15.55 mmol) at 90-95° C. and stirred for 2-3 hours.Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and diluted with water(300 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with water (2×50 mL) and dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. Removal of solvent gave crude product (2.9 g) as brownviscous oil. Purification by silica gel column using chloroform: ethylacetate (95:5) as an eluent afforded 2.2 g of pure product.

m.p. 139-142° C.

IR (Neat): 3429, 1711, 1688, 1593, 1432, 1307, 1280, 1123, 1020, 973,831, 737 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.92 (s, 3H), 4.06 (s, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H,J=9.0 Hz), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.24 (s, 1H), 9.94 (s, 1H).

Step 8:(Z)-3-(7-methoxy-4-methyloxycarbonylbenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-2-propenoic acid

To a well stirred solution ofMethyl-2-formyl-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (from step 7) (2.0g, 8.53 mmol) in toluene (50.0 mL) was added malonic acid (1.33 g, 12.80mmol) and Piperidine (0.5 ml). The reaction mixture was then refluxedfor 3-4 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature,acidified with 10% aqueous HCl solution and extracted with ethyl acetate(2×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×100mL0 and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent undervacuo gave product (1.8 g) as light yellow solid.

m.p. 175-178° C.

IR (Neat): 3435, 1716, 1630, 1509, 1404, 1335, 1289, 1215, 1145, 1031,951, 757 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.88 (s, 3H), 4.04 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H,J=15.9 Hz), 7.15 (d, 1H, J=5.7 Hz), 7.66 (d, 1H, J=15.6 Hz), 7.92 (d,1H, J=8.4 Hz), 12.75 (bs, 1H).

Step 9:Methyl-2-[(Z)-2-azidocarbonyl)-1-ethenyl]-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred solution of(Z)-3-(7-methoxy-4-methyloxycarbonylbenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-2-propenoic acid(from step 8) (1.6 g, 5.79 mmol) and triethyl amine (1.0 mL) indichloromethane (15 mL) was added a solution ethyl chloroformate (940mg, 8.68 mmol) in dichloromethane (5.0 mL) at −10° C. and stirred for2-3 hours. Water (50.0 mL) was added to reaction mixture; the organicphase was separated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal ofsolvent under vacuo gave intermediate-9 as oily residue (1.5 g). To awell stirred solution of this residue (1.5 g, 4.31 mmol) in acetone(15.0 mL) was added a solution of sodium azide (1.0 g, 15.38 mmol) inwater (5.0 mL) at 5-10° C. and stirred for 2-3 hours. Reaction mixturewas diluted with cold water (100 mL) and filtered to give the azidointermediate as yellow solid (1.3 g).

Step 10:Methyl-1-hydroxy-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

To a well stirred refluxing solution of tri-n-butyl amine (2.0 mL) indiphenyl ether (25.0 mL) was added a solution ofMethyl-2-[(Z)-2-azidocarbonyl)-1-ethenyl]-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate(from step 9) (1.3 g) in diphenyl ether (50.0 mL) and refluxed for 1-1.5hours. The excess of diphenyl ether was removed under vacuo and theresidue obtained was triturated with petroleum ether (3×25 mL) to giveintermediate-11 as yellow solid (1.1 g).

m.p. 205-207° C.

IR (Neat): 3434, 1715, 1661, 1516, 1433, 1287, 1215, 1117, 1014, 755cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.01 (s, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H,J=6.9 Hz), 7.16 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.46 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.61 (d, 1H,J=6.9 Hz), 11.57 (bs, 1H).

Step 11:Methyl-1-chloro-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-e]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A solution ofMethyl-1-hydroxy-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(from step 10) (1.1 g) and phosphorous oxychloride (25 mL) was refluxedfor 15-16 hours. Excess of phosphorous oxychloride was removed undervacuo. The residue obtained was diluted with water (10.0 mL) and madealkaline with solid sodium carbonate. The solid separated was filtered,washed with water and dried to get crude intermediate-12 (1.0 g) asbrown solid. Purification by silica gel column using chloroform: ethylacetate (9:1) as an eluent gave pure intermediate-12 (350 mg) as lightyellow solid

m.p. 195-197° C.

IR (cm⁻¹): 1718, 1668, 1507, 1421, 1271, 1223, 1109, 1001, 756 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 3.89 (s, 3H), 4.06 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 7.65 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.95 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.55 (d, 1H,J=5.4 Hz).

Step 12: Methyl-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A mixture ofMethyl-1-chloro-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(from step 11) (330 mg), 10% Pd on carbon (50 mg), triethyl amine (2.0mL) and DMF (10.0 mL) was hydrogenated in a Parr apparatus at 50-55 psiof Hydrogen gas. Catalyst was removed by filtration and filtrate wasconcentrated under vacuo. The residue obtained was purified by silicagel column using chloroform:acetone (8:2) as an eluent to affordintermediate-13 (200 mg) as light yellow solid.

m.p. 210-213° C.

IR (Neat): 1718, 1672, 1518, 1431, 1272, 1218, 1113, 1011, 755 cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d_(o)-DMSO): δ 4.00 (s, 3H), 4.09 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 7.89 (d, 1H, J=5.7 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.73 (d, 1H,J=5.4 Hz), 9.94 (s, 1H).

Step 13: 6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylic acid

A mixture of Methyl-6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(from step 12) (200 mg, 0.77 mmol), methanol (5.0 mL) and sodiumhydroxide (160 mg, 3.88 mmol) was refluxed for 2-3 hours. Excess ofmethanol was removed under reduced pressure; the residue was dilutedwith water (5.0 mL) and acidified to pH 5-6 with acetic acid. The solidobtained was filtered and dried to afford intermediate 14 (130 mg) asoff-white solid.

m.p.>260° C.

IR (Neat): 3433, 2075, 1634, 1288, 1219, 1115, 1017, 771 cm¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 4.19 (s, 3H), 7.41 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.89(d, 1H, J=5.7 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.73 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 10.12(s, 1H), 12.8 (bs, 1H).

Step 14:4-Nitrophenyl-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of 6-Methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylic acid(from step 13) (65 mg, 0.178 mmol), p-nitrophenol (37 mg, 0.267), EDCI(51 mg, 0.267 mmol), 4,4-dimethyl amino pyridine (2.0 mg, 0.017 mmol) inDMF (3.0 mL) was heated to 70-75° C. for 4-5 hours. The residue obtainedafter removal of solvent under vacuo was triturated with water (5.0 mL)to give intermediate-15 (55 mg) as yellow solid.

m.p.>250° C.

IR (cm⁻¹): 3433, 2075, 1634, 1534, 1318, 1276, 1223, 1109, 1013, 776cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 4.14 (s, 3H), 7.51 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.76(d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.92 (d, 1H, J=5.7 Hz), 8.41 (m, 3H), 8.73 (d, 1H,J=5.4 Hz), 9.87 (s, 1H).

Step 15:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide

To a well stirred solution of4-nitrophenyl-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate (fromstep 14) (55 mg, 0.15 mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine (50 mg,0.30 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added sodium hydride (60% dispersion inmineral oil) (18 mg, 0.45 mmol) at −5° C. and stirred for 30-40 minutes.Excess of DMF was removed under reduce pressure, the residue obtainedwas diluted with water (5 mL) and acidified to pH 5-6 with acetic acid.The solid obtained was filtered, washed with water and dried to affordproduct (27 mg) as off-white solid.

m.p.>260° C.

IR (Neat): 3434, 1657, 1631, 1559, 1494, 1394, 1287, 1179, 1097, 892,771 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 4.11 (s, 3H), 7.48 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.86(d, 2H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.08 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.82(s, 2H), 9.67 (s, 1H), 10.93 (s, 1H).

Example 4N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

Step 1: 2-ethoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylicacid

The solution of2-ethyl-4-methyl-7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate (fromstep 5 of example 1) (13.0 g), sodium p-thiocresolate (20.26 g, 1.5equiv.) and hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide (24.80 g, 1.5 equiv.) washeated in dry toluene at reflux temperature under nitrogen for 2-6 h.The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, water was added andaqueous layer was washed with dichloromethane. Aqueous layer wasacidified at 10-15° C. with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Theprecipitated product was filtered and dried.

m.p.—above 270° C.

Step 2: 2,4-Diethyl-7-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

The solution of2-ethoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylic acid (fromstep 1) (13 g), conc.H₂SO₄ in ethanol was heated to reflux temperature.Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixturewas concentrated under vacuum. Then water (500 ml) was added to reactionmixture and the precipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven. Thecrude solid was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 20%ethyl acetate in chloroform as eluent. 6.5 g buff colored solid wasobtained.

m.p.—195-197° C.

Step 3:2,4-Diethyl-7-difluoromethoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

A mixture of2,4-Diethyl-7-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate (from step2) (6.50 g) and potassium carbonate (7.2 g) in N,N-dimethyl formamide(70 ml) was heated to reflux temp at 80-90° C. Thenchlorodifluoromethane gas was bubbled into the reaction mixture at80-90° C. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end,reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. Then water (300 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture and acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid.The precipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven at 40-45° C.Buff colored solid (6.5 g) was obtained.

m.p.—74-78° C.

Step 4: Diethyl3-bromomethyl-7-difluoromethoxybenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

This compound was synthesized from2,4-diethyl-7-difluoromethoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate bythe procedure described in step 6 of example 1.

m.p.—78-84° C.

IR (KBr):—3080, 2987, 2929, 1719, 1623, 1578, 1508, 1421, 1378, 3131,1271, 1226, 1155, 1104, 1049, 966, 778, 746 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.38 (t, 6H), 4.44 (m, 4H), 5.37 (s, 1H),7.53 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.57 (t, 1H, J=72.6 Hz), 7.93 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz).

Step 5: Diethyl7-difluoromethoxy-3-formyllbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate

This compound was synthesized from diethyl3-bromomethyl-7-difluoromethoxybenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate by theprocedure described in step 7 of example 1.

m.p.—71-74° C.

IR (KBr):—3386, 2992, 2887, 1726, 1701, 1621, 1587, 1513, 1380, 1300,1284, 1224, 1187, 1084, 1053, 959, 779, 732 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.29 (t, 3H), 1.37 (t, 3H), 4.31 (q, 2H),4.46 (q, 2H), 7.56 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.59 (t, 1H, J=72.6 Hz), 7.86 (d,1H, J=8.7 Hz), 10.55 (s, 1H).

Step 6: Ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from diethyl7-difluoromethoxy-3-formyllbenzo[b]furan-2,4-dicarboxylate as per theprocedure described in step 8 of example 1.

m.p.—210-214° C.

IR (KBr):—3171, 2984, 1720, 1673, 1593, 1477, 1374, 1286, 1198, 1095,1041, 891, 757 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.4 (t, 3H), 4.47 (q, 2H), 7.64 (t, 1H,J=72 Hz), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.19 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.09 (s, 1H),13.6 (s, 1H).

Step 7: Ethyl4-chloro-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylateby the procedure described in step 9 of example 1.

m.p.—185-188° C.

IR (KBr):—3098, 2994, 1715, 1635, 1593, 1578, 1427, 1383, 1337, 1283,1162, 1140, 1090, 945, 846, 790 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.44 (t, 3H), 4.54 (q, 2H), 7.69 (t, 1H,J=72.3 Hz), 7.84 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.28 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 10.35 (s,1H).

Step 8: Ethyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from ethyl4-chloro-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylateas per the procedure described in step 10 of example 1.

m.p.—148-152° C.

IR (KBr): —3051, 2993, 1718, 1633, 1596, 1447, 1405, 1283, 1201, 1121,1081, 981, 792 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.44 (t, 3H), 4.54 (q, 2H), 7.66 (t, 1H,J=72 Hz), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.24 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.09 (s, 1H),10.41 (s, 1H).

Step 9: 6-Difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid

This compound was synthesized from ethyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate by theprocedure described in step 11 of example 1.

m.p.—above 270° C.

IR (KBr):—3046, 2927, 2789, 2497, 1874, 1710, 1630, 1596, 1455, 1280,1134, 1081, 982, 783, 735 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.65 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 8.22 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.08 (s, 1H), 10.47 (s, 1H).

Step 10: 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylic acid bythe procedure described in step 12 of example 1.

IR (KBr):—3109, 3067, 2928, 1749, 1616, 1590, 1348, 1273, 1199, 1164,1136, 1070, 972, 883, 861, 744 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.75 (t, 1H, J=72 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=6.9Hz), 7.89 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.44 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz), 8.54 (d, 1H, J=8.7Hz), 10.14 (s, 1H), 10.31 (s, 1H).

Step 11:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

This compound was synthesized from 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate by theprocedure described in step 13 of example 1.

m.p.—above 270° C.

IR (KBr):—3233, 3034, 2923, 2358, 1660, 1599, 1555, 1495, 1289,11291082, 982, 855, 810 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.65 (t, 1H, J=72.6 Hz), 7.89 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 8.24 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.84 (s, 1H), 10.08 (s, 1H), 10.17 (s, 1H),11.26 (s, 1H).

Example 5N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamidesodium salt

To the suspension ofN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide(example 4) (70 mg, 0.19 mmol) in THF, sodium hydride (15 mg, 0.38 mmol)was added at once at the same temperature under nitrogen. Progress ofreaction was monitored by IR. At the end, reaction mixture wasconcentrated under vacuum.

IR (KBr):—3101, 2928, 1633, 1581, 1551, 1533, 1446, 1388, 1284, 1203,1117, 1092, 1043, 994, 855, 810 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.50 (t, 1H, J=73.2 Hz), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=8.1Hz), 8.24 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.26 (s, 1H), 9.92 (s, 1H), 10.87 (s, 1H).

Example 62-ethyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate

Step 1: ethyl 4-(2-methoxyphenylsulfanyl)-3-oxobutanoate

To a solution of 2-Methoxythiol (5.0 g, 3.57 mmol) in DMF (50 ml) wasadded potassium carbonate (6.29 g, 4.28 mmol), 4-chloroethylacetoacetate(6.44 g, 3.39 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 12.0 hours.Water (100 ml) was added to the reaction mixture and extracted withethyl acetate (3×125 ml). The combined ethyl acetate layers were washedwith water (2×50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated under vacuum to give product as of yellow solid (6.0 g)

IR (KBr) 3061, 3070, 2905, 2838, 1725, 1628, 1595, 1570, 1408, 1309,1263, 1176, 1027, 941, 839 cm¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H),3.96 (s, 1H), 4.06 (q, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.88 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.98 (d,1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.17 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.21 (d, 1H).

Step 2: ethyl 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)acetate

Ethyl 4-(2-methoxyphenylsulfanyl)-3-oxobutanoate (from step 1) (5 g,1.86 mmol) was added to the polyphosphoric acid at 80-90° C. understirring. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion ofthe reaction, reaction mixture was cooled to room temp and ice (250 g)was added to the reaction mass. The organic mass was extracted bydichloromethane (3×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed withwater (3×100 ml) followed by brine (100 ml) and dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. After concentrating organic volume purified on a silicacolumn in pet ether: ethyl acetate (3%) to get pure product as of yellowsolid (2.0 g).

IR (KBr) 3091, 3070, 2979, 2937, 2838, 1728, 1686, 1570, 1533, 1475,1368, 1307, 1263, 1176, 1151, 1027, 941, 839, 784, 716 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 3.91 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H),4.08 (q, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.94 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.35 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz),7.37 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.58 (s, 1H).

Step 3: 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)acetamide

Ethyl 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)acetate (from step 2) (2.0 g,8.0 mmol) was dissolved in Methanol (10 ml) and to the solution addedEthylene glycol saturated with ammonia (10 ml) stirred at roomtemperature for 48.0 hours. Methanol was evaporated under vacuum Water(50 ml) was added to the reaction mixture and extracted with ethylacetate (3×25 ml). The combined ethyl acetate layers were washed withwater (2×50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentratedunder vacuum to give product which was washed with pentane (2×25 ml) toget off-white solid (1.2 g).

IR (KBr) 3377, 3188, 2998, 2948, 2832, 1658, 1624, 1566, 1534, 1474,1458, 1415, 1395, 1280, 1258, 1220, 1054, 935, 878, 778, 651. cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.60 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 6.94 (d, 1H,J=6.0 Hz), 7.18 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.20 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.25 (s, 1H),7.30 (s broad, 2H).

Step 4: 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethylamine

2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)acetamide (from step 3) (1.0 g, 4.52mmol) was dissolved in THF (20 ml) and heated to 80 C. under heatingborane in THF (0.89 ml, 9.04 mmol) was added drop wise and stirred for 3hours. Acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid (1.0 ml) THF wasevaporated under vacuum and then basified with sodium hydroxide (2 ml)solution and extracted with diethyl ether (3×10 ml). The combinedethereal layers were washed with water (2×50 ml), dried over anhydroussodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to give product to thatethyl acetate saturated with hydrochloric acid was added andprecipitated solid was filtered as of yellow solid (600 mg).

IR (KBr) 3390, 3090, 2961, 2934, 2838, 1658, 1595, 1570, 1522, 1503,1474, 1440, 1365, 1265, 1137, 1108, 1089, 1053, 1041, 934, 843. cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.12 (s, 4H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 6.97 (d, 1H,J=9.0 Hz), 7.41 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.46 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.56 (s, 1H),8.02 (s broad, 2H).

Step 5: Ethyl 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethylcarbamate

2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethylamine (from step 4) (0.5 g,1.94 mmol) was dissolved in THF (5 ml) and to the solution addedethylchloroformate (6.29 g, 4.28 mmol) and triethylamine (0.5 ml) andstirred at room temperature for 2.0 hours. Water (50 ml) was added tothe reaction mixture and precipitated solid was filtered to get theproduct as of white solid (0.520 g).

IR (KBr) 3295, 3049, 2979, 2952, 2934, 2938, 1675, 1570, 1531, 1476,1440, 1365, 1314, 1288, 1183, 1052, 960, 839, 786, 732 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 2.92 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.27(t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.99 (q, 2H), 6.93 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz),7.26 (s broad, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.42 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 6: Ethyl8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-(7-methoxybenzene[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethylcarbamate (from step 5)(0.30 g, 1.31 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (3 ml) and to the solutionadded para-formaldehyde (0.055 g, 1.84 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid(0.011 g, 0.06 mmol) and stirred at 120° C. temperatures for 10 min.Water (25 ml) was added to the reaction mixture was extrated in ethylacetate (2×25 ml) The combined ethyl acetate layers were washed withwater (2×50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentratedunder vacuum to give product as of white solid (0.180 g).

IR (KBr) 3070, 2999, 2979, 2796, 1673, 1584, 1555, 1458, 1432, 1337,1223, 1122, 1044, 1002, 936, 922, 884, 808, 775, 732 cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 2.80 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.75(t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.94 (s, 3H), 4.08 (q, 2H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 6.92 (d,1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.15 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 7.42 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 7: Ethyl5-formyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

Ethyl8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate(from step 6) (0.18 g, 0.62 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (5ml) and cooled to 0° C. To the solution added stannic chloride (0.122ml, 1.05 mmol) and dichloromethyl methylether (0.07 ml, 0.07 mmol) wasadded dropwise and stirred under cooling for 2 hours. Water (25 ml) wasadded to the reaction mixture was extracted in dichloromethane (2×25 ml)The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×50 ml), dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to give productas solid (0.170 g).

IR (KBr) 3308, 3070, 2999, 2979, 2934, 2834, 1673, 1690, 1555, 1481,1458, 1435, 1379, 1350, 1333, 1299, 1268, 1238, 1090, 1029, 921, 807cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 3.14 (t, 2H), 3.69 (t, 2H),4.05 (s, 3H), 4.12 (q, 2H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.99(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 10.39 (s, 1H).

Step 7:2-ethoxycarbonyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid

The solution of Ethyl5-formyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate(from step 6) (0.150 g, 0.470 mmol) in acetone (5 ml) was cooled to10-20° C. Sulfamic acid (0.056 g, 0.587 mmol) was added at once to thereaction mixture at 10-20° C. Then solution of sodium chlorite (0.052 g,0.707 mmol) in water (3 ml) was added dropwise at the same temp.Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end water (15 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture. Acetone was distilled off under vacuum. Thesolid obtained was filtered and suck dried. Yellow colored solid (0.110g) was obtained.

IR (KBr) 3450, 3070, 2934, 2999, 2896, 2739, 1675, 1555, 1534, 1432,1420, 1392, 1375, 1224, 1212, 1150, 1134, 1094, 996, 885 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 2.84 (t, 2H), 3.67 (t, 2H),4.10 (s, 3H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.01(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 8:2-ethyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate

A mixture of2-ethoxycarbonyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (from step 7) (150 mg, 0.446 mmol), 4-N,N-dimethyl amino pyridine(5 mg, 0.044 mmol), p-nitro phenol (74 mg, 0.535 mmol) and EDCI (120 mg,0.535 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was stirred at room temp for 6-7hrs. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reactionmixture was concentrated under vacuum. Then water (25 ml) was added toreaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtainedwas filtered and dried in oven. And purified in pet ether: acetone (10%)to get pure product 60 mg buff colored solid was obtained

IR (KBr) 3435, 3115, 3078, 2984, 2939, 2842, 1735, 1704, 1591, 1566,1488, 1461, 1347, 1385, 129, 1235, 1162, 1110, 1067, 1029, 907, 816, 786cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 3.67 (t, 2H),4.10 (s, 3H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.67(d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.14 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz) 8.36 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 9:2-ethyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate

A suspension of2-ethyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate(from step 8) (100 mg, 0.218 mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (60mg, 0.371 mmol) in dimethyl formamide (5 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C.under nitrogen. Then sodium hydride (13 mg, 0.328 mmol) was added atonce at the same temp. Under nitrogen. Progress of reaction wasmonitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C.Water (25 ml) was added drop wise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C.and acidified with dilute HCl. the precipitate obtained was filtered anddried in oven. The solid was purified by isopropanol leaching to pureproduct 80 mg. m.p.—decomposes above 270° C.

IR (KBr): 3205, 2982, 1672, 1556, 1497, 1485, 1338, 1287, 1259, 1181,1122, 1087, 1030, 946, 879 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.1 (t, 3H), 2.74 (t, 2H), 3.60 (t, 2H),3.98 (s, 3H), 4.05 (q, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 7.01 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.65(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.73 (s, 2H) 10.80 (s, 1H).

Example 7 tert-butyl5-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

Step 1:2-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid

2-Ethoxycarbonyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (from step 7 of example 6) (700 mg) was suspended in ethanolicpotassium hydroxide (10 ml) and water (2.5 ml) was added and stirred at80° C. for 12 hours. Ethanol was evaporated under vacuum andco-evaporated in toluene. Ethyl acetate saturated with hydrochloric acidwas added (10 ml) was added to the reaction mixture and precipitatedsolid was filtered and dried in oven to get pure hydrochloride salt (600mg). The hydrochloride salt (600 mg), triethylamine (0.5 ml),BOC-anhydride (478 mg) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was stirred at roomtemp for 12 hrs. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end,reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum. Then water (25 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitateobtained was filtered and dried in oven. And purified in chloroform:ethyl acetate (2%) to get pure product 310 mg buff colored solid wasobtained.

IR (KBr) 3430, 3011, 2953, 1690, 1550, 1473, 1463, 1392, 1363, 1257,1243, 1190, 1043, 1011, 999, 875 cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.2 (s, 9H), 2.95 (t, 2H), 3.36 (t, 2H),4.01 (t, 3H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 7.01 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.01 (d, 1H, J=9.0Hz).

Step 2:2-(tert-butyl)-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate

A mixture of SM [WHAT IS SM?] (90 mg, 0.247 mmol), 4-N,N-dimethyl aminopyridine (3 mg, 0.024 mmol), p-nitro phenol (41 mg, 0.297 mmol) and EDCI(57 mg, 0.297 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was stirred at room tempfor 6-7 hrs. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end,reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum. Then water (25 ml) wasadded to reaction mixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitateobtained was filtered and dried in oven. And purified in chloroform:ethyl acetate (10%) to get pure product 110 mg buff colored solid wasobtained

IR (KBr) 3015, 2939, 2851, 1652, 1534, 1474, 1421, 1361, 1352, 1281,1263, 1164, 1142, 1056, 1092, 1005, 848 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ1.2 (s, 9H), 2.97 (t, 2H), 3.38 (t, 2H), 4.05(t, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.55 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz),8.01 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz) 8.2 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 3: tert-butyl5-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

A suspension of2-(tert-butyl)-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate(from step 2) (110 mg, 0.250 mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (69mg, 0.427 mmol) in dimethylformamide (5 ml) was cooled to −10-0° C.under nitrogen. Then sodium hydride (15 mg, 0.377 mmol) was added atonce at the same temp. Under nitrogen. Progress of reaction wasmonitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C.Water (25 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. andacidified with dilute HCl. the precipitate obtained was filtered anddried in oven. And purified in chloroform: ethyl acetate (10%) to getpure product 90 mg buff colored solid was obtained

IR (KBr): 3435, 3012, 2929, 2853, 1666, 1553, 1480, 1423, 1366, 1280,1252, 1164, 1092, 1025, 868 cm⁻¹;

¹H H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ1.2 (s, 9H), 2.89 (t, 2H), 3.60 (t, 2H),4.02 (t, 3H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=9.0Hz), 8.78 (s, 2H), 10.84 (s, 1H).

Example 8 N5(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamidehydrochloride

Tert-butyl5-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate(Example 7) (40 mg, mmol) was suspended in ethyl acetate saturated withhydrochloric acid (5 ml) stirred at room temp for 1 hours. Ethyl acetatewas evaporated under vacuum and washed with diethyl ether and dried inoven to get pure salt 20 mg.

IR (KBr) 3020, 2928, 1634, 1554, 1503, 1482, 1441, 1393, 1251, 1215,1097, 1075, 757 cm⁻¹;

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ3.02 (t, 2H), 3.31 (t, 2H), 4.04 (t, 3H),4.51 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.79 (s,2H), 9.45 (s broad, 2H), 10.91 (s, 1H).

Example 9 Ethyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

Step 1: Ethyl 7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-carboxylate

Isovanillin (10.0 g, 65.72 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (100 ml). To thissolution potassium carbonate (22.7 g, 164.3 mmol) was added followed byaddition of ethylbromoacetate (16.46 g, 98.58 mmol) and heated at 140°C. for 6 h. Reaction mixture was filtered on celite bed. Filtrate wasevaporated on rotavapor and then diluted with water (250 ml) andextracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml×4). Organic layer was washed withwater (25 ml×3), brine (25 ml), dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated to yield 11.0 g of the product as yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.42 (t, 3H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 4.45 (q, 2H), 6.91 (d, 1H,J=6.9 Hz), 7.19-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.52 (s, 1H).

IR (KBr): 3128, 2984, 1714, 1578, 1494, 1324, 1297, 1193, 1090, 942, 732cm⁻¹

Step 2: (7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)methanol

Ethyl 7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-carboxylate (from step 1) (1.0 g, 4.54mmol) was dissolved in THF (25 ml). To this solution lithium aluminumhydride (0.344 g, 9.09 mmol) was added at 0° C. portion wise and stirredfor 2 h. Reaction was quenched with ice and filtered and the filtratewas dried on sodium sulfate and concentrated on rotavap to yield 600 mgof the product as a pale yellow thick liquid.

¹H nmr (CDCl₃): δ 3.98 (s, 3H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 6.75-6.79(m, 1H), 7.11-7.17 (m, 2H).

IR (KBr): 3392, 2941, 2840, 1735, 1606, 1622, 1588, 1493, 1436, 1284,1095, 972, 932, 731 cm⁻¹

Step 3: 2-(chloromethyl)-7-methoxy-1-benzofuran

(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)methanol (from step 2) (1.5 g, 8.42 mmol)was dissolved in dichloromethane (25 ml). To this solution triethylamine(1.7 g, 16.85 mmol) and methane sulfonyl chloride (1.44 g, 16.85 mmol)was added at 0° C. and stirred for 2 h. Reaction mixture was dilutedwith water (10 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (25 ml×3). Organiclayer was washed with water (10 ml×2), brine (15 ml), dried over sodiumsulfate and concentrated to give 1.5 g of the product as pale yellowthick liquid.

¹H nmr (CDCl₃): δ 4.01 (s, 3H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 6.81-6.84(m, 1H), 7.15-7.17 (m, 2H).

IR (KBr): 3113, 2963, 2713, 1621, 1601, 1435, 1359, 1270, 1173, 1060,975, 819 cm⁻¹

Step 4: (7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetonitrile

2-(chloromethyl)-7-methoxy-1-benzofuran (from step 3) (1.0 g, 3.92 mmol)was dissolved in DMF (20 ml) and sodium cyanide (190 mg, 3.92 mmol) wasadded at 0° C. and reaction was stirred for 2 h at room temperature.Reaction was quenched by diluting with water (100 ml) and extracted withethyl acetate (25 ml×3). Organic layer was washed with water (20 ml×2),brine (15 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to yield 1.0 gof product brown thick liquid. Compound was purified by columnchromatography using 100-200 mesh silica gel and eluted in 5% ethylacetate-petroleum ether. Yield=500 mg (yellow solid)

¹H nmr (CDCl₃): δ 3.93 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 6.82 (d, 1H,J=6.9 Hz), 7.13-7.18 (m, 2H).

IR (KBr): 3020, 2923, 2258, 1622, 1607, 1508, 1494, 1436, 1311, 1272,1214, 1095, 755 cm⁻¹

Step 5: 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethanamine

(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetonitrile (from step 4) (500 mg, 2.67mmol) was dissolved in methanol (20 ml). To this conc. HCl (0.038 g,1.068 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (250 mg) was added and kept for hydrogenationat 40 psi for 6 h. Reaction mixture was filtered through celite anddried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to yield 500 mg of theproduct as brown thick liquid.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 2.93 (t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 4.0 (s, 3H), 6.46 (s, 1H),6.70 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz), 7.10-7.15 (m, 2H).

IR (KBr): 3429, 2985, 2450, 1623, 1492, 1438, 1284, 1269, 1202, 1183,1096, 934,731 cm⁻¹

Step 6: Ethyl 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethylcarbamate

2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethanamine (from step 5) (100 mg, 0.523mmol) was dissolved in THF (4 ml). To this solution triethylamine (0.211g, 2.09 mmol) and ethyl chloroformate (0.085 g, 0.784 mmol) was added at0° C. and then stirred at room temperature for 5 h. THF was evaporatedand the residue was purified by column chromatography using 100-200 meshsilica gel and eluted in 5% ethyl acetate-petroleum ether to obtain 30mg of yellow thick liquid.

¹H nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.22 (t, 3H), 3.01 (t, 2H), 3.57 (t, 2H), 4.0 (s, 3H),4.12 (q, 2H), 4.79 (brs, 1H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz),7.08-7.15 (m, 2H).

Step 7:2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine

ethyl 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethylcarbamate (from step 6) (50mg, 0.190 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (5 ml). To this paraformaldehyde (17 mg, 0.570 mmol) and p-toluene sulfonic acid (2.5 mg)was added and subjected to azeotropic distillation for 2 h. Toluene wasevaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using100-200 mesh silica gel and eluted in 10% acetone in petroleum ether.Yield of pure compound was 20 mg (white solid).

¹H nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.3 (t, 3H), 2.89 (s, 2H), 3.87 (brs, 2H), 4.01 (s,3H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 4.60 (brs, 2H), 6.78 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H,J=7.8 Hz), 7.15 (t, 1H).

IR (KBr): 3392, 2931, 1698, 1622, 1495, 1435, 1333, 1268, 1226, 1115,1084, 1014, 775 cm⁻¹

Step 8:2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carbaldehyde

2-ethyoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine(from step 7) (0.420 g, 1.52 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (25ml). To this stannic chloride (0.675 g, 2.59 mmol) was added followed byaddition of dichloromethylmethylether (0.17 g, 1.52 mmol) at −10° C. andstirred for 30 min. Reaction was quenched by pouring on crushed ice andextracted with ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate layer was washed with water(10 ml×2), brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by column chromatography using 100-200 mesh silicagel and eluted in 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to get 170 mg ofthe product as white solid.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.3 (t, 3H), 2.92 (brs, 2H), 3.87 (brs, 2H), 4.09 (s,3H), 4.19 (q, 2H), 4.95 (s, 2H), 6.88 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.68 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 9.96 (s, 1H).

Step 9:2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid

2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carbaldehyde(from step 8) (170 mg, 0.559 mmol) was dissolved in acetone (10 ml):water (2.5 ml). To this solution sulfamic acid (81.0 mg, 0.838 mmol) wasadded and then reaction was cooled to 0° C. Then sodium chlorite (85 mg,0.950 mmol) in water (2.5 ml) was added drop wise to maintaintemperature below 10° C. and reaction was further stirred for 2 h.Reaction was quenched with water (20 ml) and precipitate was filtered onand dried to give 120 mg of white solid as the product.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.3 (t, 3H), 2.93 (brs, 2H), 3.86 (brs, 2H), 4.08 (s,3H), 4.21 (q, 2H), 4.93 (brs, 2H), 6.82 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.03 (d, 1H,J=8.7 Hz).

Step 10: 4-nitrophenyl(2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine)-9-carboxylate

2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid(from step 9) (100 mg, 0.338 mmol), p-nitrophenol (94 mg, 677 mmol),EDCI (0.161 mg, 0.845 mmol) and TEA (6.0 mg, 0.067 mmol) was taken inTHF (5 ml) and stir at room temperature for 4 h. Reaction was dilutedwith water (10 ml) and precipitate obtained was filtered and dried toyield 80 mg of product white solid.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.25 (brs, 3H), 2.94 (brs, 2H), 3.85 (brs, 2H), 4.11(s, 3H), 4.19 (q, 2H), 4.89 (brs, 2H), 6.86 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.43 (d,2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.35 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz).

Step 11: Ethyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate

4-nitrophenyl(2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine)-9-carboxylate(from step 10) (80 mg, 0.192 mmol) in DMF (2.5 ml) was added dropwise tothe flask containing sodium hydride (27 mg, 0.576 mmol) and3,5-dichloro-4-aminopyridine (37 mg, 0.230 mmol) in DMF (2.5 ml) at −10°C. and stirred for 1 h. Reaction was quenched with ice, diluted withwater (30 ml) and extracted with Ethyl acetate (10 ml×3). Organic layerwas washed with water (10 ml), brine (10 ml), dried over sodium sulfateand concentrated to get 50 mg of the product as white solid. Compoundwas washed with diethyl ether. Yield of pure compound=35 mg (whitesolid).

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 1.25 (t, 3H), 2.92 (brs, 2H), 3.86 (brs, 2H), 4.12 (s,3H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 6.83 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.61 (s, 2H),7.66 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.6 (brs, 1H).

IR (KBr): 3019, 2849, 2400, 1683, 1579, 1477, 1402, 1304, 1215, 1120,928, 767 cm⁻¹.

mp: Compound melts>250° C.

Example 10 tert-butyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate

Step 1: Methyl 3-(2-chlorohydrazino)-4-methoxybenzoate

A mixture of Methyl 4-methoxy-3-amino-benzoate (0.044 mol) in 80 mlconc. HCl was stirred for 3 hrs. at room temperature, then solution ofsodium nitrite (0.044 mol) in 20 ml water was added over 30 min. at −30°C. (bath temp.) and stirred for 30 min. A solution of stannous chloride(0.088 mol) in 40 ml conc. HCl was added drop wise maintaining atemperature bellow −20° C. and stirring was continued for 1 h. (It formsvery thick mass). Reaction was quenched in 400 ml (20% NaOH) with propercooling and extracted with diethyl ether (200×3 ml). Organic layerwashed with water (100 ml) dried over sodium sulphate and concentratebelow 40° C. Crude mass was taken in 50 ml diethyl ether and acidifiedwith HCl saturated ethyl acetate to get hydrazine hydrochloride salt(60%) which was dried under vacuum.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ10.06 (3H, bs, exchanged with D₂O), 7.90 (1H, bs),7.65 (1H, dd, J=8.4 Hz, J=1.8 Hz), 7.59 (1H, d, J=1.8 Hz), 7.12 (1H, d,J=8.4 Hz), 3.92 (3H, s), 3.8 (3H, s).

Step 2: 2-tert-butyl 9-methyl6-methoxy-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2,9-dicarboxylate

A mixture of Methyl 3-(2-chlorohydrazino)-4-methoxybenzoate (fromstep 1) (0.0042 mol) and N-Boc-4-piperidone (0.0063 mol) in ethanol (20ml) was stirred for 18 h at room temperature. Reaction was concentratedunder vacuum and product was isolated with silica gel columnchromatography using 20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 11.4 (1H, bs, exchange with D₂O), 7.63 (1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 6.73 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 4.79 (2H, bs), 3.98 (3H, s), 3.82 (3H, s),3.64 (2H, t), 2.76 (2H, t), 1.42 (9H, s)

Step 3: 2-tert-butyl9-methyl-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2,9-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 2-tert-butyl9-methyl-6-methoxy-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2,9-dicarboxylate(from step 2) (0.0027 mol) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (20 ml) at 0° C. wasadded sodium hydride (0.0081 mol) Stirred for 30 min. at 0° C. theniodomethane (0.0040 mol) was added and stirring was continued for 2 h.Reaction was quenched with water and extracted with ethyl acetate washedwith water and then with brine solution dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated. Product was purified by silica gel column chromatographyusing 10% ethyl acetate: petroleum ether.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 7.72 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 6.58 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 4.79(2H, bs), 3.98 (3H, s), 3.96 (3H, s), 3.91 (3H, s), 3.83 (2H, t), 2.78(2H, t), 1.49 (9H, s).

Step 4:2-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-9-carboxylicacid

To a solution of 2-tert-butyl9-methyl-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2,9-dicarboxylate(from step 3) (0.0026 mol) in methanol (20 ml) was added 1N NaOH (0.010mol) solution and refluxed for overnight. Reaction was then concentratedunder vacuum diluted with small amount of water and then washed withethyl acetate (10×2 ml). Aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HClsolution up to pH 2. Solid which was precipitated out was filteredwashed well with water and dried.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.86 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 6.61 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 4.92(2H, bs), 3.98 (3H, s), 3.92 (3H, s), 3.81 (2H, t), 2.80 (2H, t), 1.49(9H, s).

Step 5: 2-tert-butyl 9-(4-nitrophenyl)6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-9-dicarboxylate

To solution of2-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-9-carboxylicacid (0.0005 mol) in THF (10 ml) was added Para nitro phenol (0.0011mol), EDCI (0.0008 mol), DMAP (0.0001 mol) and resulting reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Reaction was dilutedwith small amount of water and precipitated yellow solid was filteredout and dried.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.36 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 7.4 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.60(2H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 6.84 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 4.72 (2H, bs), 4.00 (3H, s),3.92 (3H, s), 3.66 (2H, t), 2.80 (2H, t), 1.38 (9H, s).

Step 6: tert-butyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridinylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate

A mixture of 2-tert-butyl 9-(4-nitrophenyl)6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-9-dicarboxylate(from step 5) (0.0006 mol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine (0.0007 mol)in dry DMF (10 ml) was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. to that solution wasadded sodium hydride (0.0018 mol) and stirred for 1 h. Reaction wasquenched in water to get yellow suspension, 1N HCl was added slowly toget white solid which was filtered washed with water and dried.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ10.47 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂O), 8.75 (2H, s), 7.48(1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 4.47 (2H, bs), 3.96 (3H, s),3.89 (3H, s), 3.68 (2H, t), 2.77 (2H, t), 1.38 (9H, s).

IR (KBr): 2976, 2932, 1697, 1661, 1556, 1568, 1479, 1246, 1167, 1054,769 cm⁻¹.

Melting Point: 226° C.

Example 11 tert-butyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate

This compound was synthesised by following the process described fromstep 3 to step 6 for example 10 except for using benzyl bromide insteadof iodomethane in step 3.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 10.52 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂O), 8.75 (2H, s), 7.52(1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.25 (3H, m), 6.93 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 6.80 (1H, d,J=8.4 Hz), 5.65 (2H, s), 4.50 (2H, bs), 3.86 (3H, s), 3.64 (2H, t), 2.69(2H, t), 1.36 (9H, s).

IR(KBr): 3218, 2974, 2938, 1682, 1642, 1562, 1454, 1408, 1254, 1165,1123, 1106, 1009, 727,651 cm⁻¹

Melting Point: 210° C.

Example 12 tert-butyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-cyclopropylmethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate

This compound was synthesised by following the process described fromstep 3 to step 6 for example 10 except for usingcyclopropylmethylbromide instead of iodomethane in step 3.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.49 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂O), 8.75 (2H, s),7.49 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 6.80 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 4.52 (2H, bs), 4.25 (2H,d) 4.03 (3H, s), 3.82 (2H, t), 2.85 (2H, t), 1.25 (9H, s), 1.02 (1H, m),0.387 (2H, d), 0.307 (2H, d).

IR (KBr): 3271, 2974, 2833, 1690, 1651, 1562, 1488, 1407, 1259, 1239,1169, 1123, 1021, 773 cm⁻¹

Melting point: 230° C.

Example 13N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indolehydrochloride

To a chilled 10 ml solution of ethyl acetate saturated with HCl wasadded tert-butyl9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridinylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate(example 10) (0.00025 mol) and stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. Ethyl acetatelayer was decanted and diethyl ether was added to that stirred for 30min. and then ether layer decanted same procedure was followed for 2-3times to remove HCl and then filtered out and dried.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ10.5 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂O), 9.12 (2H, bs), 8.73(2H, s), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 6.83 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 4.18 (2H, bs),3.95 (3H, s), 3.90 (3H, s), 3.96 (2H, t), 3.01 (2H, t).

IR (KBr): 3266, 2956, 1622, 1657, 1568, 1483, 1451, 1406, 1254, 1122,1075, 703 cm⁻¹

Example 14N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indolehydrochloride

This compound was synthesized form example 11 using the processdescribed for example 13.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 10.64 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂0), 9.12 (2H, bs), 8.77(2H, s), 7.63 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.26 (3H, m), 7.01 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz),6.86 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 5.66 (2H, s), 4.24 (2H, bs), 3.88 (3H, s), 3.46(2H, t), 2.99 (2H, t).

IR(KBr): 3231, 2935, 1650, 1607, 1566, 1483, 1451, 1406, 1254, 1122,1075, 703 cm⁻¹.

Melting point: Decomposes above 250° C.

Example 15N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-2,5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole

To a solution ofN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indolehydrochloride (example 13) (0.0096 mmol) in ethanol was added sodiumcyanoborohydride (0.241 mmol.) formaldehyde (0.241 mmol.) and Stirredfor 15 min. Acetic acid was added to adjust pH to 5 and resultingreaction mass was stirred for 5 h. Reaction mass was concentrated onhigh vacuum added saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and thenextracted with dichloromethane, dried on sodium sulfate and concentrate.Product was purified by triturating in diethyl ether.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.47 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂O), 8.75 (2H, s),7.48 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 3.96 (3H,$), 3.89 (3H,s), 3.75 (2H, bs), 2.97 (2H, bs), 2.89 (2H, bs), 2.51 (3H, s).

IR (KBr): 3232, 2942, 2169, 1657, 1566, 1471, 1402, 252, 1108, 1045,801, 774 cm⁻¹.

Melting Point: 248° C.

Example 16N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-2-methyl-5-benzyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole

This compound was synthesized form example 14 using the processdescribed for example 15.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 10.52 (1H, s, exchanged with D₂0), 8.75 (2H, s), 7.52(1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.25 (3H, m), 6.93 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 6.80 (1H, d,J=8.4 Hz), 5.65 (2H, s), 4.80 (3H, s), 3.47 (2H, bs), 2.68 (2H, bs),2.63 (2H, bs), 2.31 (3H, s).

IR (KBr): 2922, 2809, 1670, 1577, 1546, 1510, 1410, 1350, 1296, 1112,894, 804, 706 cm⁻¹

Melting Point Decomposes above 250° C.

Example 17 tert-butyl9-(4-pyridinylcarbamoyl)-6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from 2-tert-butyl 9-(4-nitrophenyl)6-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-9-dicarboxylate(from step 5 of example 10) using the process described in step 6 ofexample 10. 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine was replaced by4-aminopyridine.

Example 18N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamidesodium salt

To the suspension ofN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide(example 1) (70 mg) in THF, sodium hydride (15 mg) was added at once atthe same temperature under nitrogen. Progress of reaction was monitoredby IR. At the end, reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum.

IR (KBr): 3096, 2968, 2928, 1628, 1583, 1526, 1467, 1450, 1390, 1292,1202, 1118, 1026, 885, 811 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.05 (s, 3H), 7.39 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.22(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.23 (s, 2H), 9.83 (s, 1H), 10.88 (s, 1H).

Example 19N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide

Step 1: (7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetonitrile

The solution of 7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3(2H)-one (reference) (7.5 g,0.046 mol), cyanoacetic acid (19.55 g, 0.23 mol) and ammonium acetate(7.08 g, 0.092 mol) in xylene was refluxed for 16-18 h. using dean starkapparatus. Xylene was removed under diminished pressure. Brown blackresidue was taken in ethyl acetate, washed with water and concentrated.On purification on silica gel it yielded(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetonitrile (30%).

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ 3.72 (s, 2H), 4.023 (s, 3H), 6.887 (d, 1H),7.271-7.152 (m, 3H), 7.679 (s, 1H).

Step 2: 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethanamine hydrochloride

To the suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (580 mg, 0.01 mol) in dryether, a solution of (7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetonitrile (fromstep 1) (750 mg, 0.004 mol) was added drop wise at 0° C. and stirred forhalf an hour. By adding minimum of water and excess of chloroform, itwas stirred overnight. Chloroform layer was dried on anhy. Sodiumsulphate and concentrated. Residue was dissolved in dry ether andhydrochloride salt (92%) was prepared by addition of ethyl acetatesaturated with HCl.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 2.968 (t, 2H, J=7.35 Hz), 3.087 (t, 2H, J=7.05 Hz),3.926 (s, 3H), 7.276-7.182 (m, 2H), 8.082 (br, s, 2H, exchanges withD₂O).

Step 3: Ethyl 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethylcarbamate

To the suspension of 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethanaminehydrochloride (from step 2) (0.432 g, 1.9 mmol) in dry THF,triethylamine (0.769 g, 7.6 mmol) was added followed by ethylchloroformate (0.265 g, 2.4 mmol) and stirred for 18 hrs. Water wasadded to it and extracted with ethyl acetate. Organic layer wasconcentrated and purified on Silica gel column to yield Ethyl2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethylcarbamate (82%).

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 1.23 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.890 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 3.510(q, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 4.014 (s, 3H), 4.118 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 4.728 (br s,1H, exchanges with D₂O), 6.823 (d, 1H, J=5.85 Hz), 7.165-7.238 (m, 2H),7.476 (s, 1H).

Step 4: Ethyl8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate

A solution of ethyl 2-(7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)ethylcarbamate (fromstep 4) (0.649 g, 2.5 mmol), paraformaldehyde (0.150 g, 5.0 mmol) and4-toluene sulphonic acid (0.0475 g, 0.125 mmol) was subjected toDean-Stark for 2-3 hrs. After cooling to RT, water was added and organiclayer was separated dried over anhy. sodium sulphate and concentrated.On purification on silica gel, it yielded ethyl8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate(96%).

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 1.29 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.73 (br S, 2H), 3.80 (br s,2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 4.19 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 4.65 (br s, 2H), 6.79 (d, 1H,J=7.8 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 7.162 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz).

Step 6: Ethyl5-formyl-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate

To a solution of ethyl8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate (fromstep 5) (0.264 g, 0.96 mmol), in methylene chloride, was added stannicchloride (0.424 g, 1.6 mmol) and 1,1-dichloromethyl methyl ether (0.1655g, 1.4 mmol) at −10° C. Reaction mass was diluted with dichloromethane,water was added to it and organic layer was thoroughly washed with waterafter separation. It was concentrated and purified to yield Ethyl5-formyl-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate(97%).

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 1.34 (m, 3H), 3.15 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz), 3.78 (br s, 2H),4.09 (s, 3H), 4.21 (m, 2H), 4.70 (br s, 2H), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz),7.72 (d, 1H, J=8.1), 10.04 (s, 1H).

Step 7:2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid

Ethyl5-formyl-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(1H)-carboxylate(from step 6) (0.310 g, 1.02 mmol) was taken in acetone water mixture.To this was added sulphamic acid (0.148 g, 1.53 mmol) and sodiumchlorite (0.157 g, 1.73 mmol) and stirred for half an hour. Afterremoving acetone under diminished pressure and dilution with water, ityielded2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (41%) which was filtered out, washed with water and dried.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 1.22 (t, 3H, J=7.05 Hz), 2.94 (br s, 2H), 3.65 (t, 2H,J=5.4 Hz), 3.984 (s, 3H), 4.31 (q, 2H, J=7.1), 4.62 (br s, 2H), 7.00 (d,1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 12.7-12.8 (br s, 1H, exchangeswith D₂O).

Step 8: 4-nitrophenyl2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate

A solution of2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (from step 7) (0.352 g, 1.1 mmol), 4-nitrophenol (0.229 g, 1.65mmol), EDCI (0.253 g, 1.32 mmol) and 4-(N,N-dimethyl)aminopyridine(0.027 g, 0.22 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran was stirred overnight. Water wasadded to RM, extracted with ethyl acetate and org layer was concentratedafter drying on anhy. Sod. Sulphate. The solid was chromatographed onsilica gel to yield 4-nitrophenyl2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 1.288 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 3.086 (br s, 2H), 3.729 (br s,2H), 4.114 (s, 3H), 4.194 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 4.710 (br s, 2H), 6.896(dd, 2H), 8.154 (dd, 2H).

Step 9:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide

To a solution of 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (0.125 g, 0.765 mmol) indry DMF, sodium hydride (0.0162 g, 0.675 mmol) was added at 0° C.followed by 4-nitrophenyl2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate(0.197 g, 0.45 mmol). Water was added to RM. Solid filtered out andpurified on Silica Gel column with CHCl₃: EtOAc to yieldN-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 1.20 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.74 (br s, 2H), 3.64 (t, 2H),4.01 (s, 3H), 4.095 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 4.63 (br s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1H,J=8.1 Hz), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.758 (s, 2H), 10.639 (s, 1H).

IR (KBr) (cm⁻¹):—3344, 3019, 2980, 1696, 1665, 1484, 1261, 1223.

Example 20N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamidehydrochloride

Step 1:2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid

2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (1.99 gm, 0.0063 mol) (from Step No. 7 of example 19) was taken in3 N solution of potassium hydroxide (1.77 gm, 0.0315 mol) and refluxedfor 2 Hrs. After extraction with ethyl acetate, Di-tert-butyldicarbonate (2.75 gm, 0.0126 mol) was added to it and stirred itovernight at room temperature. Reaction mixture was extracted withsolvent ether and acidified with potassium per sulphate. The solid2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (69%) was filtered out, washed with water and dried in vacuo.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.4 (s, 9H), 2.926 (br s, 2H), 3.595 (t, 2H, J=5.4Hz), 3.985 (s, 3H), 4.576 (s, 2H), 6.998 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.815 (d,1H, J=8.4 Hz) 12.7 (br s, 1H, exchanges with D₂O).

Step 2: 4-nitrophenyl2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid (from step 1) using the process described in step 8 of example 19.

Step 3:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide

This compound was synthesized from 4-nitrophenyl2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate(from step 2) using the process described in step 9 of example 19.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d_(o)): δ 1.425 (s, 9H), 2.722 (s, 2H), 3.584 (t, 2H, J=4.8Hz), 4.01 (s, 3H), 4.588 (s, 2H), 7.082 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.734 (d, 1H,J=8.4 Hz), 8.759 (s, 2H), 10.639 (s, 1H, exchanges with D₂O).

Step 4:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamidehydrochloride

N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide(from step 3) (645 mg, 0.0013 mol) was taken in dry ethyl acetate andethyl acetate saturated with HCl was added to it at 0° C. it was thenstirred for an hour. Ethyl acetate was removed under diminished pressureand dry solvent ether was added to it. SolidN-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamidehydrochloride (XIII) was filtered, washed with dry solvent ether anddried.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD): δ 3.040 (t, 2H, J=5.4 Hz), 3.443 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz),3.984 (s, 3H), 4.393 (s, 2H), 7.005 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.77 (d, 1H,J=8.1 Hz), 8.569 (s, 2H).

IR (KBr; cm⁻¹) 3422, 3233, 2722, 1674, 1493, 1289, 1272, 1009.

Example 21N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamidehydrochloride

Step 1:6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid

2-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid (from step 9 of example 9) (1.8 g, 6.10 mmol) was dissolved inmethanol (10 ml). To this KOH (6.8 g, 122.03 mmol) dissolved in 10 mlwater was added and reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. Reactionmixture was concentrated and residue was diluted with water (25 ml) andneutralized with (15 ml) saturated ammonium chloride solution. Theprecipitate obtained was filtered and dried under vacuum. Yield=1.6 g(pale yellow solid).

Step 2:2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid (from step 1)

(1.6 g, 8.09 mmol) was dissolved in 1M NaOH (25 ml). To this solutiondi-tert-butyl dicarbonate (2.64 g, 12.14 mmol) was added and reactionwas stirred overnight at room temperature. Reaction mixture wasextracted with ether and aqueous layer was acidified with potassiumhydrogen sulfate. The precipitate obtained was filtered and dried undervacuum. Yield=1.6 g (pale yellow solid)

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.42 (s, 9H), 2.81 (br s, 2H), 3.7 (t, 2H), 3.95 (s,3H), 4.74 (br, s, 2H), 6.9 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 3: 4-nitrophenyl2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized from2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid (from step 2) using the process described in step 8 of example 19.

Step 4:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide

This compound was synthesized from 4-nitrophenyl2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(from step 3) using the process described in step 9 of example 19.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.39 (s, 9H), 2.84 (br s, 2H), 3.71 (br s, 2H), 4.01(s, 3H), 4.52 (br s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=8.1Hz), 8.77 (s, 2H), 10.67 (s, 1H, exchanges with D₂O).

Step 5:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamidehydrochloride

To the suspension ofN-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide(from step 4) (600 mg) in dry diethyl ether (10 ml), ethyl acetatesaturated with HCl (4 ml) was added and stirred overnight. Reactionmixture was concentrated and the residue obtained was stirred in drydiethyl ether and filtered. The solid obtained was further purified byrefluxing in isopropanol overnight. Yield=400 mg

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆) δ: 3.11 (br s, 2H), 3.5 (br s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 4.29(br s, 2H), 7.16 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.90 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.78 (s,2H), 9.29 (br s, 2H, exchanges with D₂O), 10.78 (s, 1H, exchanges withD₂O).

Example 22N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2,9-dimethyl-8-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxamide

Step 1: Hydrazone Preparation

A suspension of 3-carbethoxy-2-piperidone (commercially available)(4.275 g, 25 mmol) in aq. NaOH (1.4 g, 25 mmol, 0.5 N) was stored atroom temperature for 18 h. It was then acidified with 6N HCl and addedwith stirring at 0° C. to a fresh solution of substitutedbenzenediazonium chloride. (The later was prepared in the usual mannerfrom Methyl 4-methoxy-3-amino-benzoate (4.52 g, 25 mmol) in HCl (125mmol, 2.7 N) and NaNO₂ (1.76 g, 25.5 mmol) in water). The reactionmixture was adjusted to pH 3.5 by the addition of NaOAc (solution inwater) followed by stirring at 0-10° C. for 5 h., to afford aprecipitate. This was then filtered and used as such for furtherreaction without purification.

Step 2: Methyl8-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate

A solution of hydrazone (from step 1) (11.0 g crude) in acidic ethanolwas heated to reflux for 18 h. The solvent was then removed underreduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatographyto afford pure tetrahydrocarboline in 30 to 40% yield.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 3.15 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz); 3.43 (2H, m); 3.83 (3H, s);3.96 (3H, s); 6.84 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz); 7.70 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz); 7.70 (1H,b); 11.90 (1H, b).

Step 3: Methyl8-methoxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate

A suspension of Methyl8-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate (from step2) (1.32 g, 4.81 mmol), iodomethane (0.821 g, 57.8 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (1.77g, 12.83 mmol) in DMF was stirred at room temperature. for 18 h. minimumamount of water was added and the compound was extracted in ethylacetate. The organic layer was separated, dried on anhydrous NaSO₄ andconcentrated under reduced pressure to afford crude product which, onpurification by column chromatography afforded the desired N-methylderivative in 77% yield.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 3.30 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz); 3.55 (2H, m); 3.91 (3H, s); 3.98(3H, s); 4.44 (3H, s); 5.72 (1H, b); 6.67 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz); 7.74 (1H,d, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 4: Methyl8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate

To a solution of Methyl8-methoxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate(from step 3) (0.1 g, 0.347 mmol) and iodomethane (0.069 g, 0.486 mmol)in dry DMF, NaH (0.01 g, 0.416 mmol) was added at once at 0° C. Thereaction mixture was stirred for 5 h at room temperature water was addedand the compound was extracted in ethyl acetate. Organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to afford the desired dimethyl derivative in quantitativeyield.

¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): 3.14 (3H, s); 3.31 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz); 3.58 (2H, t, J=6.9Hz); 3.90 (3H, s); 3.98 (3H, s); 4.45 (3H, s); 6.66 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz);7.74 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 5:8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylicacid

A suspension of the ester (from step 4) (1 mmol) in alcohol likemethanol was treated with aq. KOH (3 mmol) at room temperature for 1 to3 days. The clear solution obtained was acidified and filtered to affordthe desired acid in 70% yield.

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 3.00 (3H, s); 3.19 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz); 3.57 (2H, t,J=6.9 Hz); 3.98 (3H, s); 4.47 (3H, s); 6.82 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz); 7.66 (1H,d, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 6: p-nitrophenyl8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylate

A solution of8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylicacid (from step 5) (1 mmol), p-nitrophenol (1.5 mmol), EDCI (1.5 mmol)and DMAP (0.1 mmol) in dry THF was stirred at r.t. for 18 h. Minimumwater was then added and the precipitated p-nitrophenylester wasfiltered and washed with water and dried (50-60%).

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 3.00 (3H, s); 3.17 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz); 3.55 (2H, t,J=6.9 Hz); 4.03 (3H, s); 4.38 (3H, s); 6.92 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz); 7.64 (2H,d, J=9.0 Hz); 8.10 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz); 8.36 (2H, d, J=9.3 Hz).

Step 7:N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2,9-dimethyl-8-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxamide

To a solution of p-nitrophenyl ester (from step 6) (1 mmol) and4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine (1.2 mmol), NaH (1.2 mmol) was added atonce and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h at room temperatureit was then acidified with few drops of 6N HCl. Desired amideprecipitated out that was filtered and dried (80-90%).

¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): 2.96 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz); 2.99 (3H, s); 3.98 (3H, s);4.36 (3H, s); 6.92 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz); 7.53 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz); 8.75 (2H,s); 10.60 (1H, s).

Melting above 250° C.

IR (Neat) (cm⁻¹): 3020, 1642, 1215, 771.

Example 23N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide

Step 1: 1-methoxy-2-(2-propenyloxy)benzene

To a well stirred solution of guaiacol (100.0 g, 0.805 moles) andpropargyl bromide (135 g, 0.966 mmoles) in DMF (600 mL) was addedanhydrous K₂CO₃ (222.0 g, 1.61 moles) and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 3-4 hours. The mixture was then filtered to removeinorganic material. Filtrate was concentrated under vacuo and dilutedwith water (2.5 L). It was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×1.0 L).The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×1.0 L) and driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuo gave theproduct (118.0 g) as brown oil.

IR (KBr): 2949, 1728, 1619, 1589, 1426, 1291, 1107, 1001, 957, 825, 758cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): 2.49 (s, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.76 (s, 2H),6.95 (m, 4H).

Step 2: 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan

To a well stirred solution of 1-methoxy-2-(2-propenyloxy)benzene (118.0g, 0.728 moles) in N,N-diethyl aniline (1.0 L) was added cesium fluoride(134 g, 0.874 mmoles) and the mixture was heated to 215-220° C. for 4-5hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and 10% aqueousHCl solution (3.0 lit) was added followed by addition of ethyl acetate(2.0 L). The mixture was the filtered through Celite bed. The organiclayer was separated and washed with water (2×1.0 L) and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuo gave crudeproduct (72.0 g) as dark brown oil. It was then purified through silicagel column using petroleum ether: ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent toafford the product as pale yellow oil (4.6 g).

IR (KBr): 2952, 1725, 1627, 1599, 1421, 1285, 1118, 1005, 951, 818, 748cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): 2.47 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 6.36 (s, 1H),7.06 (m, 3H).

Step 3: 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde

To a well stirred solution of 7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan (72 g,0.443 moles) in DCM (1.5 L) was added stannous chloride (150.3 g, 0.577moles) followed by slow addition of 1,1-dichloromethyl methyl ether(56.1 g, 0.488 moles) at −10-0° C. and stirred for 1-2 hrs. Ice coldwater (1.0 L) was added with vigorous stirring, the organic layer wasseparated and washed with water (2×550 mL) and dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. Removal of solvent gave crude product (68.0 g). Thecrude product was purified by silica gel column using petroleum ether:ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent to afford the product as pale yellowoil (52 g).

m.p. 167-170° C.

IR (KBr): 3017, 1741, 1677, 1595, 1512, 1399, 1242, 1175, 1098, 937, 755cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 2.50 (s, 3H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 7.09 (d, 1H,J=8.1 Hz), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 10.00 (s, 1H).

Step 4: 7-Hydroxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carbaldehyde

To a freshly prepared solution of sodium-4-methyl benzene thiolate(prepared from 42 g of 4-methyl benzene thiol and 14 g of sodiumhydroxide) in toluene (700 mL) was added7-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde (50.0 g) at reflux.Then HMPA (62.0 g) was added slowly and reaction mixture was stirred atthe same temperature for 4-5 hr. reaction mixture was then bring to50-60° C., water (500 mL) was added and layers were separated. Theaqueous layer was acidified (pH 4-5). The solid separated was filtered,washed with water (3×200 mL) and dried to get light yellow solid product(44.0 g).

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 2.50 (s, 3H), 7.11 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.13(s, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 9.99 (s, 1H), 10.98 (bs, 1H).

Step 5: 7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde

To a well stirred suspension of7-Hydroxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carbaldehyde (39.0 g, 0.221 moles) inDMF (200 mL) was added powdered potassium carbonate (76.0 g, 0.555moles) and cyclopentyl bromide (43.0 g, 0.287 moles) and stirred at70-75° C. for 4-5 hrs. The reaction mixture was then cooled to roomtemperature and water (1.5 L) was added to it. The organic materialseparated was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The combinedorganic layers were washed with water ((2×500 mL) and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuo gave product(55.0 g) as light brown viscous oil.

IR (KBr): 3432, 1710, 1639, 1501, 1429, 1278, 1122, 1093, 943, 770 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.6-2.02 (m, 8H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 5.13 (m,1H), 7.03 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 9.99(s, 1H).

Step 6: 7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methyl benzo[b]furan-4-carboxylic acid

To a well stirred solution of7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxaldehyde (55.0 g, 0.225moles), sulphamic acid (76.0 g, 0.787 moles) in acetone (600 mL) wasadded a solution of sodium chlorite (51.0 g, 0.562 moles) in water (150mL) at 0-5° C. and stirred for 5-6 hrs. Ice cold water (1.0 L) was addedto reaction mixture; solid separated was filtered and purified byacid-base technique to get 40.0 g of pure product.

IR (KBr): 3300, 1642, 1511, 1423, 1267, 1131, 1009, 958, 770 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 5.07 (m, 1H),6.89 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.95 (s, 1H), 7.74 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 12.6 (bs,1H).

Step 7: Methyl-7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a suspension of 7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylicacid (40.0 g, 0.153 moles) and potassium carbonate (42.0 g, 0.184) inacetone (400 mL) added dimethyl sulfate (24.0 g, 0.307 moles) andrefluxed for 4-5 hrs. acetone (305 mL) was distilled off and reactionmixture was cooled to 5° C., ice cold water (500 mL) was and the solidseparated was filtered, washed with water (2×100 mL0 and dried to getoff white solid (43.0 g).

IR (KBr): 3434, 1715, 1632, 1409, 1445, 1267, 1102, 1001, 938, 770 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 3.43 (s, 3H),5.14 (m, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.24 (s,1H).

Step 8: Methyl-7-cyclopentyloxy-2-bromomethylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred refluxing solution of AIBN (500 mg) andN-bromosuccinimide (30.5 g, 0.171 moles) in carbon tetrachloride (500mL) was added aMethyl-7-cyclopentyloxy-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (43.0 g,0.151 moles) and refluxed for 2-3 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled toroom temperature and filtered thorough Celite bed. The filtrate wasconcentrated under vacuo to give product (3.1 g) as brown oil. Theproduct obtained (50.0 g)was taken ahead for next step without furtherpurification.

Step 9: Methyl-2-formyl-7-cyclopentyloxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a well stirred solution ofMethyl-7-cyclopentyloxy-2-bromomethylbenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (50.0g, 0.140 moles) in dimethyl sulfoxide (250.0 mL) was added powderedsodium carbonate (22.0 g, 0.21 mmoles) at 105-110° C. and stirred for2-3 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and dilutedwith water (2.0 L) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×500 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (2×500 mL) and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent gave crude product (51 g)as brown viscous oil. Purification by silica gel column usingchloroform: ethyl acetate (95:5) as an eluent afforded 21 g of pureproduct.

IR (KBr): 3429, 1711, 1688, 1593, 1432, 1307, 1280, 1123, 1020, 973,831, 737 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 5.14 (m, 1H),7.32 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.24 (s, 1H), 9.94 (s,1H).

Step 10:(Z)-3-(7-cyclopentyloxy-4-methyloxycarbonylbenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-2-propenoicacid

To a well stirred solution ofMethyl-2-formyl-7-cyclopentyloxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate (21.0 g,0.0868 moles) in toluene (250.0 mL) was added malonic acid (13.5 g,0.1302 moles) and Piperidine (5.0 ml). The reaction mixture was thenrefluxed for 3-4 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature,acidified with 10% aqueous HCl solution and extracted with ethyl acetate(2×250 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×100mL) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent undervacuo gave product (19 g) as light yellow solid.

IR (KBr): 3435, 1716, 1630, 1509, 1404, 1335, 1289, 1215, 1145, 1031,951, 757 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 5.13 (m,1H), 6.46 (d, 1H, J=15.0 Hz), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=15Hz), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz).

Step 11:Methyl-2-[(Z)-2-azidocarbonyl)-1-ethenyl]-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate

To a suspension of(Z)-3-(7-cyclopentyloxy-4-methyloxycarbonylbenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-2-propenoicacid (19.0 g, 0.0575 moles) and triethyl amine (1.0 mL) in acetone (200mL) was added a solution ethyl chloroformate (6.9 g, 0.0633 moles) inacetone (15.0 mL) at −10° C. and stirred for 1-2 hours. A solution ofsodium azide (11.0 g, 0.172 moles) in water (30.0 mL) was added at −10°C. and stirred for 1-2 hrs. ice cold water (1.0 L) was added, the solidseparated was filtered, dissolved in DCM (200 mL). DCM layer was driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate. Removal of solvent under vacuum gave 21.0g of product as light yellow solid.

IR (KBr): 3315, 1718, 1638, 1512, 1414, 1333, 1282, 1208, 1134, 1029,956, 758 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 5.14 (m,1H), 6.51 (d, 1H, J=15.0 Hz), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.87 (m, 3H).

Step 12:Methyl-1-hydroxy-6-cyclopentyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

To a well stirred refluxing solution of tri-n-butyl amine (5.0 mL, 25%by wt) in diphenyl ether (50.0 mL) was added a solution ofMethyl-2-[(Z)-2-azidocarbonyl)-1-ethenyl]-7-methoxybenzo[b]furan-4-carboxylate(21.0, 0.0642 moles) in diphenyl ether (350.0 mL) and refluxed for 3-3hours. The excess of diphenyl ether was removed under vacuo and theresidue obtained was triturated with petroleum ether (3×100 mL) to giveintermediate-12 as yellow solid (16.5 g).

IR (KBr): 3434, 1715, 1661, 1516, 1433, 1287, 1215, 1117, 1014, 755cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 1.6-2.1 (m, 8H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 5.16 (m,1H), 7.22 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.50 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.87 (d, 1H, J=5.4Hz), 8.42 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 1.27 (bs, 1H).

Step 13:Methyl-1-chloro-6-hydroxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A solution ofMethyl-1-hydroxy-6-cyclopentyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(16.0 g) and phosphorous oxychloride (320 mL) was refluxed for 15-16hours. Phosphorous oxychloride (300 mL) was removed under vacuo. Water(20.0 ml) was added at 60-70° C. Then after water (200 mL) was added,the solid obtained was filtered, washed with water (2×100 mL) and driedto get 8.8 g of product as yellow solid.

m.p. 195-197° C.

IR (KBr): 1718, 1668, 1507, 1421, 1271, 1223, 1109, 1001, 756 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 3.92 (s, 3H), 7.62 (t, 1H, J=72.0 Hz), 7.15(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.50 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 7.92 (d, 1H, J=5.1 Hz), 11.27(bs, 1H).

Step 14:Methyl-1-chloro-6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

To a suspension ofMethyl-1-chloro-6-hydroxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(8.8 g) and anhydrous potassium carbonate in dimethylformamide waspurged mafron gas for 2-3 hrs at 70-80° C. Reaction mixture was filteredthrough Celite bed; filtrate obtained was concentrated under high vacuumto quarter of its volume. The residue obtained was diluted with water(100 mL) to get 8.0 g product as yellow solid.

m.p. 210-213° C.

IR (KBr): 1718, 1672, 1518, 1431, 1272, 1218, 1113, 1011, 755 cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 3.86 (s, 3H), 7.62 (t, 1H, J=72.0 Hz), 7.15(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.50 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 7.92 (d, 1H, J=5.1 Hz).

Step 15:Methyl-6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A mixture ofMethyl-1-chloro-6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(8.0 g), ammonium hydroxide (2.0 mL) and 10% Pd/C (4.0 g) in a mixtureof methanol (100 mL) and dimethylformamide (5.0 mL) was hydrogenated ina Parr apparatus at 40-45 psi of hydrogen for 5-6 hrs. catalyst wasremoved by filtration and residue obtained was diluted with water. Thesolid product obtained was filtered and dried. Yield=6.5 g.

IR (KBr): 3433, 2075, 1720, 1634, 1288, 1219, 1115, 1017, 771 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 4.04 (s, 3H), 7.62 (t, 1H, J=72.0 Hz), 7.61(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.97 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.78(d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 9.93 (s, 1H).

Step 16: 6-Difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylicacid

A solution ofMethyl-6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate(6.5 g, 0.0221 moles), sodium hydroxide (4.0 g, 0.110 moles) and water(10.0 mL) in methanol (60.0 mL) was refluxed for 1-1.5 hrs. Methanol wasremoved under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was diluted withwater (50.0 mL) and acidified with acetic acid. The solid separated wasfiltered, washed with water (2×100 mL) and dried to get 5.5 g of productas off-white solid.

IR (KBr): 3433, 2075, 1559, 1634, 1289, 1215, 1145, 1031, 757 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 7.58 (t, 1H, J=72.0 Hz), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 7.94 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.11 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.76 (d, 1H, J=5.4Hz), 10.02 (s, 1H).

Step 17: 4-Nitrophenyl6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of6-Difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylic acid (5.5g, 0.0197 moles), p-nitro phenol (4.1 g, 0.0295 moles), EDCI (5.7 g,0.295 moles), 4,4-dimethyl amino pyridine (250 mg, 0.00197 moles) in DMF(603.0 mL) was heated to 70-75° C. for 4-5 hours. The residue obtainedafter removal of solvent under vacuo was triturated with water (50.0 mL)to give intermediate-18 (6.0 mg) as yellow solid.

m.p.>250° C.

IR (cm⁻¹): 3430, 2082, 1640, 1534, 1351, 1276, 1223, 1109, 1009, 778cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): −7.51 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.76 (d, 2H, J=8.4Hz), 7.80 (t, 1H, J=72.0 Hz) 7.92 (d, 1H, J=5.7 Hz), 8.41 (m, 3H), 8.73(d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 9.87 (s, 1H).

Step 18:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide

To a well stirred solution of 4-Nitrophenyl6-difluoromethyloxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxylate (6.0 mg,0.015 moles) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine (4.9 mg, 0.030 moles) inDMF (50.0 mL) was added sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil)(900 mg, 0.0225 moles) at −5° C. and stirred for 30-40 minutes. Excessof DMF was removed under reduce pressure, the residue obtained wasdiluted with water (500 mL) and acidified to pH 5-6 with acetic acid.The solid obtained was filtered, washed with water and dried to affordcrude product (5.6 g). Purification thorough silica gel column using 25Methanol in chloroform as eluent gave 2.7 g product as off-white solid.

m.p.>250° C.

IR (Neat): 3199, 1662, 1556, 1496, 1387, 1281, 1198, 1159, 1049, 999,813, 778 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 7.61 (t, 1H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.95(d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.08 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.75 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 8.84(s, 2H), 9.63 (s, 1H), 11.17 (s, 1H).

Example 24N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamidesodium

To a well stirred suspension ofN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide(500 mg, 1.178 mmoles) in dry THF (10.0 mL) was a added sodium hydride(60% dispersion in oil) (45 mg, 1.119 mmoles) at 5-10° C. and stirredfor 30 minutes. THF was removed under reduced pressure. The solidobtained was washed with n-pentane (2×5 mL) and dried under reducedpressure (520 mg).

m.p.>250° C.

IR (Neat): 3394, 1638, 1572, 1535, 1445, 1389, 1270, 1132, 992, 789cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 7.45 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.47 (t, 1H), 7.82(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.64 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 10.27(s, 1H).

Example 253,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate

Step 1: 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine-N-oxide: To a solution of4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (5.0 gm, 0.0306 moles) in chloroform (100mL) was added 20% peracetic acid solution (200 ml, 0.597 moles) (20%peracetic acid was prepared as per Vogel's Practical Organic Chemistry,Vol. V, page no. 458). Reaction mixture was then stirred at roomtemperature for 48 hrs, cooled to 5-10° C. and quenched with sodiumsulphite till iodide test disappeared. Chloroform as well as acetic acidwas removed under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was purified onsilica gel column using 5% methanol in chloroform as an eluent to giveproduct as light yellow solid.

Yield: 1.7 g

Step 2:3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate:To a well stirred suspension of 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate (100 mg,0.2481 mmoles), 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine-N-oxide (39 mg, 0.2233mmoles) in DMF (5.0 mL) was added NaH (60%) (4×5 mg, 0.4962 mmoles) at5-10° C. The reaction mixture was then allowed to come to roomtemperature in 2.0 hrs. Reaction mixture was then diluted with water (25mL) and acidified with acetic acid. The slid separated was extractedwith ethyl acetate (3×10 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith water and dried over anhy. sodium sulfate. The residue obtainedafter removal of solvent was purified on silica gel column using 8%methanol in chloroform as an eluent to give product as off-white solid.Yield: 40 mg

m.p.>250° C.

IR (KBr):—3233, 3065, 1659, 1633, 1602, 1484, 1428, 1343, 1241, 1194,982, 855, 810 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.41 (t, 1H, J=72 Hz), 7.65 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 7.90 (d, 1H, J=8.4), 8.23 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.82 (s, 2H), 10.08(s, 1H), 10.17 (s, 1H), 11.09 (s, 1H).

Example 263,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate

To a well stirred suspension of 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridine-9-carboxylate (330 mg,0.8243 mmoles), 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine-N-oxide (140 mg, 0.7831mmoles, from step-1, Example 25) in DMF (5.0 mL) was added NaH (60%)(6×11 mg, 1.65 mmoles) at 5-10° C. The reaction mixture was then allowedto come to room temperature in 2.0 hrs. Reaction mixture was thendiluted with water (25 mL) and acidified with acetic acid. The slidseparated was extracted with ethyl acetate (4×15 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with water and dried over anhy. sodiumsulfate. The residue obtained after removal of solvent was purified onsilica gel column using 8% methanol in chloroform as an eluent to giveproduct as off-white solid. Yield: 180 mg

m.p.>250° C.

IR (KBr):—3436, 3233, 3034, 2923, 2358, 1660, 1599, 1555, 1495, 1289,1129, 1082, 982, 855, 810 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.60 (t, 1H, J=72 Hz), 7.72 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 7.96 (d, 1H, J=8.4), 8.06 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.76 (d, 1H, J=5.7Hz), 8.80 (s, 2H), 9.63 (s, 1H), 10.97 (s, 1H).

Example 273,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolatesodium

To a well stirred suspension of 3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate (150 mg,0.3409 mmoles) in THF (5.0 mL) was added 60% sodium hydride (14.5 mg,0.3579 mmoles) at 5-10° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. The reactionmixture was then stirred for 2.0 hours at room temperature to get clearsolution. The yellow solid obtained after solvent removal was trituratedwith diethyl ether, ether was removed by decantation. The yellow solidobtained was dried under vacuum.

Yield: 150 mg.

m.p.: >250° C.

IR (KBr):—3101, 2928, 1633, 1581, 15511533, 1446, 1388, 1284, 1203,1117, 1092, 1043, 994, 855, 810 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.42 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.46 (t, 1H, J=72Hz), 7.82 (d, 1H, J=8.4), 8.14 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.25 (s, 2H), 8.64 (d,1H, J=5.7 Hz), 10.30 (s, 1H).

Example 28N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

Step I: ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

To a solution of ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(from step 6 of example 4) (261 mg, 0.803 mmol) in n,n-dimethylformamide, sodium hydride (33 mg, 0.803 mmol) was added at 20-30° C.under nitrogen. Ethyl bromide (95.4 mg, 0.88 mmol) was added to thereaction mixture. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end,reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (100 ml) was addeddropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. and acidified with dilutehydrochloric acid. The precipitate obtained was filtered and dried inoven. It was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 10%ethyl acetate in chloroform. White colored solid (130 mg) was obtained.

m.p.—162-164° C.

IR (KBr): 3081, 2962, 2852, 1741, 1615, 1562, 1454, 1386, 1283, 1162,1140, 1090, 960, 885, 846, 764 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.38 (m, 6H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 4.47 (q, 2H),7.63 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz),9.07 (s, 1H).

Step II:6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid

A mixture of ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(from step 1) (120 mg, 0.34 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (20 mg, 0.51mmol) in methanol (20 ml) was heated to reflux temp. Progress ofreaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixture wasconcentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added to reactionmixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtained wasfiltered and dried in oven. 98 mg white colored solid was obtained.

m.p.—above 235-237° C.

IR (KBr):—2982, 2360, 1721, 1652, 1592, 1559, 1388, 1267, 1237, 1195,1118, 1065, 964, 741, 705 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.35 (t, 3H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 7.63 (t, 1H,J=72.3 Hz), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.18 (s,1H).

Step III: 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid (form step II) (90 mg, 0.276 mmol), triethyl amine (41 mg, 0.415mmol), p-nitro phenol (43 mg, 0.304 mmol) and EDCI (79 mg, 0.415 mmol)in tetrahydrofuran (3 ml) was stirred at room temp for 16-17 hrs.Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixturewas concentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added to reactionmixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtained wasfiltered and dried in oven. 87 mg buff colored solid was obtained.

m.p. 140-142° C.

IR (KBr):—3115, 3081, 2962, 1741, 1668, 1589, 1518, 1499, 1346, 1333,1266, 1205, 1108, 1051, 960, 858, 804, 745 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.32 (t, 3H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 7.78 (m, 4H),8.42 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.49 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.00 (s, 1H).

Step IV:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

A suspension of 4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-ethyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(from step III) (81 mg, 0.18 mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (32mg, 0.19 mmol) in dimethyl formamide (3 ml) was cooled to −30-40° C.under nitrogen. Then sodium hydride (15 mg, 0.36 mmol) was added lotwiseat the same temp. under nitrogen. Progress of reaction was monitored byTLC. At the end, reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (100 ml)was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. and acidifiedwith dilute HCl. the precipitate obtained was filtered and dried inoven. The solid was purified by column chromatography using 20% acetonein chloroform. 178 mg pure product was obtained as off white solid.

m.p.—above 270° C.

IR (KBr):—3117, 2930, 1678, 1600, 1494, 1407, 1262, 1125, 1080, 823cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.37 (t, 3H), 4.28 (q, 2H), 7.63 (t, 1H,J=72.6 Hz), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.17 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.83 (s,3H), 11.20 (s, 1H).

Example 29N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

Step I: ethyl3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

To a solution of ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(from step 6 of example 4) (168 mg, 0.4 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml),p-chloro phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (72 mg, 0.4 mol) and sodiumcarbonate (43 mg, 0.4 mmol) was added at room temp. The reaction mixturewas stirred at room temp. for 4 hrs. Ethanol was distilled out undervacuum. The concentrated mass was heated to reflux temperature in aceticacid. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, water wasadded, the solid obtained was filtered and suck dried. The solid wasdried in oven. White colored solid (160 mg) was obtained.

m.p. 182-184° C.

IR (KBr): 3064, 2989, 1718, 1688, 1592, 1282, 1149, 1093, 1046, 823cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.42 (t, 3H), 4.50 (q, 2H), 7.72 (m, 6H),8.23 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.23 (s, 1H).

Step II:3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid

A mixture of ethyl3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate(from step I) (160 mg, 0.36 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (24 mg, 0.51mmol) in methanol (10 ml) was heated to reflux temp. Progress ofreaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixture wasconcentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added to reactionmixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtained wasfiltered and dried in oven. 140 mg yellow colored solid was obtained.

m.p.—above 250° C.

IR (KBr): 3095, 2641, 1686, 1591, 1492, 1283, 1149, 1094, 969, 825 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.72 (m, 6H), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.23(s, 1H).

Step III: 4-nitrophenyl3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

A mixture of3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid (from step II) (140 mg, 0.34 mmol), triethyl amine (38 mg, 0.3774mmol), p-nitro phenol (52 mg, 0.3774 mmol) and EDCI (97 mg, 0.51 mmol)in tetrahydrofuran (3 ml) was stirred at room temp for 16-17 hrs.Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end, reaction mixturewas concentrated under vacuum. Then water (50 ml) was added to reactionmixture and acidified with dilute HCl. The precipitate obtained wasfiltered and dried in oven. 130 mg buff colored solid was obtained.

m.p.—149-151° C.

IR (KBr): 3115, 2963, 1740, 1687, 1592, 1527, 1490, 1347, 1273, 1212,1086, 961, 924, 826 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.75 (t, 1H, J=72 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=6.9Hz), 7.89 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.44 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz), 8.54 (d, 1H, J=8.7Hz), 10.14 (s, 1H), 10.31 (s, 1H).

Step IV:N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxamide

A suspension of 4-nitrophenyl3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate (from step III) (130 mg,0.245 mmol) and 4-amino-3,5-dichloro pyridine (44 mg, 0.27 mmol) indimethylformamide (3 ml) was cooled to −30-40° C. under nitrogen. Thensodium hydride (10 mg, 0.49 mmol) was added lot wise at the same temp.under nitrogen. Progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. At the end,reaction mixture was cooled to 0-10° C. Water (100 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at 0-10° C. and acidified with dilute HCl.the precipitate obtained was filtered and dried in oven. The solid waspurified by column chromatography using 20% acetone in chloroform. 23 mgpure product was obtained as off white solid.

m.p.—above 270° C.

IR (KBr): 3204, 3111, 3032, 2972, 1699, 1657, 1599, 1554, 1491, 1282,1213, 1084, 1057, 921, 835 cm⁻¹

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 7.65 (m, 5H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 8.22(d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.83 (s, 2H), 8.96 (s, 1H), 11.25 (s, 1H).

Example 30N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

Step I—ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepI of example 28 except ethyl bromide was replaced by n-butyl bromide.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 0.92 (t, 3H), 1.38 (m, 5H), 1.77 (p, 2H),4.27 (t, 2H), 4.48 (q, 2H), 7.64 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.10 (s, 1H).

StepII—6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepII of example 28.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 0.92 (t, 3H), 1.33 (m, 2H), 1.77 (p, 2H),4.27 (t, 2H), 7.62 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.18 (d,1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.16 (s, 1H).

StepIII—4-nitrophenyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]-furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepIII of example 28.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 0.90 (t, 3H), 1.33 (m, 2H), 1.75 (p, 2H),4.26 (t, 2H), 7.77 (m, 4H), 8.42 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.47 (d, 1H, J=8.4Hz), 8.98 (s, 1H).

StepIV—N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-butyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepIV of example 28.

m.p.—210-212° C.

IR (KBr):—3434, 2929, 1694, 1660, 1494, 1282, 1209, 1124, 1094, 1060,637, 615 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 0.90 (t, 3H), 1.33 (m, 2H), 1.75 (p, 2H),4.25 (t, 2H), 7.63 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 8.18 (d,1H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.83 (s, 3H), 11.21 (s, 1H).

Example 31N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

Step I—ethyl6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepI of example 28 except ethyl bromide was replaced by cyclopentylbromide.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.40 (t, 3H), 1.68 (bm, 2H), 1.86 (bm, 4H),2.05 (bm, 2H), 4.47 (q, 2H), 5.49 (bm, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H, J=72.3 Hz),7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.12 (s, 1H).

StepII—6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylicacid

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepII of example 28.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.68 (bm, 2H), 1.91 (bm, 4H), 2.15 (bm,2H), 5.15 (bm, 1H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.59 (s, 1H).

StepIII—4-nitrophenyl-6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepIII of example 28.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆):—δ 1.66 (bm, 2H), 1.84 (bm, 4H), 2.04 (bm,2H), 5.49 (bm, 1H), 7.75 (m, 4H), 8.41 (d, 2H, J=9.3 Hz), 8.48 (d, 1H,J=9.0 Hz), 9.01 (s, 1H).

StepIV—N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyridazine-9-carboxylate

This compound was synthesized by the same procedure as described in stepIV of example 28.

m.p.—above 250° C.

IR (KBr):—3433, 2926, 2363, 2170, 1672, 1490, 1399, 1280, 1200, 1089,892, 816, 771 cm⁻¹.

¹H nmr (300 MHz, DMSO-d6):—δ 1.65 (bm, 2H), 1.84 (bm, 4H), 2.05 (bm,2H), 5.49 (bm, 1H), 7.62 (t, 1H, J=72.9 Hz), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz),8.16 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 8.82 (s, 2H), 8.85 (s, 1H), 11.21 (s, 1H).

In Vitro Studies

Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase Enzymes (PDE4)

In this assay, PDE4 enzyme converts [³H] cAMP to the corresponding [³H]5′-AMP in proportion to the amount of PDE4 present. The [³H] 5′-AMP thenwas quantitatively converted to free [³H] adenosine and phosphate by theaction of snake venom 5′-nucleotidase. Hence, the amount of [³H]adenosine liberated is proportional to PDE4 activity.

The assay was performed with modification of the method of Thompson andAppleman (Biochemistry; 1971; 10; 311-316) and Schwartz and Passoneau(Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1974; 71; 3844-3848), both referencesincorporated herein by reference in their entirety, at 34° C. In a 200ul total reaction mixture, the reaction mixture contained 12.5 mM ofTris, 5 mM MgCl₂, 1 μM cAMP (cold) and ³H cAMP (0.1 uCi), (Amersham).Stock solutions of the compounds to be investigated were prepared inDMSO in concentrations such that the DMSO content in the test samplesdid not exceed 0.05% by volume to avoid affecting the PDE4 activity.Drug samples were then added in the reaction mixture (25 μl/tube). Theassay was initiated by addition of enzyme mix (75 μl) and the mixturewas incubated for 20 minutes at 34° C. The reaction was stopped byboiling the tubes for 2 mins at 100° C. in a water bath. After coolingon ice for 5 minutes and addition of 50 ug/reaction of 5′-nucleotidasesnake venom from Crotalus atrox (Sigma) incubation was carried out againfor 20 min. at 34° C. The unreacted substrate was separated from (³H)Adenosine by addition of Dowex AG 1-X8 (Biorad Lab), (400 μl) which wasprequilibrated (1:1:1) in water and ethanol. Reaction mixture was thenthoroughly mixed, placed on ice for 15 minutes, vortexed and centrifugedat 14,000 r.p.m. for 2 mins. After centrifugation, a sample of thesupernatant was taken and added in 24 well optiplates containingScintillant (1 ml) and mixed well. The samples in the plates were thendetermined for radioactivity in a Top Counter and the PDE4 activity wasestimated. PDE4 enzyme was present in quantities that yield<30% totalhydrolysis of substrate (linear assay conditions).

Results were expressed as percent inhibition (IC₅₀) in nMconcentrations. The IC₅₀ values were determined from the concentrationcurves by nonlinear regression analysis.

Example No. IC₅₀ (nM) 01 1.375 02 493.8 03 0.73 04 3.41 05 4.15 0634.27% at 1 μM 07 416.2 08 31.75% at 1 μM 09 1.75 10 27.74% at 1 μM 11177.3 12 48.79% at 1 μM 13 20.99% at 1 μM 14 3526 15 12.90% at 1 μM 162275 17 33.67% at 1 μM 18 4.08 19 7.53 20 17.45 21 20.45 22 34.54% at 1μM 23 0.25 24 0.02 25 3.99 26 2.69 27 2.42

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

All patents, patent applications, and non-patent publications cited inthis specification are herein incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each individual patent, patent application, or publicationwas specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein byreference.

We claim:
 1. A method of treating an inflammatory disease, disorder orcondition characterized by an inflammatory or immune response induced byan excessive secretion of TNF-α and PDE-4, the method comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of formula (1)

wherein: R¹ is alkyl or alkyl substituted by one or more halogen groups;R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; Ar is a heteroaryl ring or a heteroarylring substituted by one or more halogen groups; n is 2; p is 3; T, V andW are C; U is N; each dotted line [----] in the ring represents a bond;X is O; Y is —C(O)NR⁴; and R⁴ is hydrogen, or a tautomer, stereoisomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or N-oxide thereof.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein R¹ is alkyl substituted by one or morehalogen groups and Ar is heteroaryl substituted by one or more halogengroups.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein Ar is pyridyl,pyridyl substituted by one or more halogen groups, pyridyl-N-oxide orpyridyl-N-oxide substituted by one or more halogen groups.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3, wherein Ar is


5. The method according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is selected from —CH₃ and—CHF₂.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound isselected fromN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide;N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamide;N9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamidesodium;3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolate;and3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolatesodium.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound is3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolateor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the compound is3,5-dichloro-4-(6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-9-ylcarboxamido)-1-pyridiniumolatesodium.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound isN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamideor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the compound isN9-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl)-6-difluoromethoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-9-carboxamidesodium.
 11. The method according to claim 1, comprising administering toa subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of apharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) and atleast one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the subject is a human.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the inflammatory condition or the immunedisorder is selected from asthma, bronchial asthma chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic granuloma, nephritis,rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, multiplesclerosis, Crohn's disease, psoraisis, uticaria, adult vernalconjunctivitis, respiratory distress syndrome, rhematoid spondylitis,osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis,inflammatory bowel conditions, ulcerative coalitis, eczema, atopicdermatitis and chronic inflammation.
 14. The method according to claim1, wherein the inflammatory condition or the immune disorder is aninflammatory condition or immune disorder of the lungs, joints, eyes,bowels, skin or heart.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein theinflammatory condition is asthma.
 16. The method according to claim 1,wherein the inflammatory condition is rheumatoid arthritis.
 17. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the subject is a human.
 18. Amethod of treating rheumatoid arthritis in a human subject in needthereof, the method comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a compound having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 19. The method accordingto claim 18, wherein the compound has the formula:


20. A method of treating asthma in a human subject in need thereof, themethod comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 21. The method accordingto claim 20, wherein the compound has the formula: